James Walter Kamas peacefully passed away in Belton hospice care on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the age of 78. He was born in 1947 in Temple, Texas to Albina (Sebesta) and Walter Joseph Kamas. He was one of three children. The close knit, Christian family lived and worked on the family farm near Little River.
Attending Academy High School, James participated in all sports and academic activities. He was valedictorian of his class of 18 and maintained those friendships with their monthly lunches. He earned his AA from Temple Junior College and named him the highest honor graduate. James received a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas, graduated Summa Cum Laude and a certified professional engineer.
He met his future wife, Susan Kay Hill of Temple, at Riverside Swimming Pool in Belton in the summer of 1966. They enjoyed fifty-six years of marriage. He recently said “she followed me throughout my career and always landed on her feet” with her career.
Upon graduation James worked for Sun Oil Company at the Suntide Refinery in Corpus Christi as a production engineer. He enjoyed the ocean and easy access to great fishing, a life-long passion. He was recruited back to Austin to join a new consulting engineering firm, Radian Corporation and gained a new “family” of young engineers and spouses that had a culture of work, sports and family activities.
Next move was to Odessa, Texas to work at Ref-Chem Corporation, a construction and contract maintenance company for the oil industry. He was Vice President of Operations working directly for the company owner. He represented the company as a member of the Texas Association of Business. Living in West Texas was a golden time. He defined the people of West Texas as the friendliest, most hospitable and cherished the lasting friendships made there.
Radian Corporation growth expanded into a global company and James returned as a consultant in the hazardous waste in the cement industry. (He was able to retain his original employee number 87.) He quickly adapted to the new computer world and enjoyed his customers in the United States and Internationally. During this period, he returned to his farming roots working on weekends.
At 50 he became a full-time farmer and perhaps the happiest chapter of life. With the blessing of his two sisters, he started with the family farm. His dedication, talents and successful operation lead to contracting with numerous tenants and farming 3,500 acres. He grew corn, oats, cotton, grain sorghum and black-eyed peas for his mother-in-law. He never had a failure. He was a test farmer for Monsanto/Bayer as a product evaluator and multiple award winner. James and Susan enjoyed the annual December conference held around the country and meeting other farm families. He was an active member of the Bell County Soil Conservation, BF&M Coop in Rosebud, Taylor Compress Coop and Farm Bureau.
Farming was James’s first passion, but fishing was second. He fished all over Texas, but his favorite was deep sea fishing in Venice, Louisianna. He was aways planning a fishing trip and equally enjoyed cooking fish for family and friends. He was an excellent chef, and the principle cook at home. His favorite was preparing the Thanksgiving meal for Susan’s family in their Austin home and later in Temple for family and best friends.
The retirement years were like a second honeymoon. A memorable anniversary visit to Santa Fe, New Mexico, spending time and reconnecting with old friends and making new ones, and especially the frequent trips to Fredericksburg and the wineries.
He was preceded in death by parents; sister, Margie Kamas Bennett and husband Tommy; brother-in-law E J Daniel; and beloved dachshund, Rusty. Survivors are wife, Susan, sister Martha Ann Daniel and nephews and nieces Jeff (Colette) Daniel of Brownwood, Tish (Richard) Williams of Austin, Brad (Tammy) Bennett, Temple and Jennifer (Kenny) Kelarek of Salado. Great nephews and nieces Jeffrey (Allison) Daniel, Catherine (Zac) Fulton, Daniel (Lacy) Williams, Matthew (Madison) Williams, Brent (Allison) Bennett, Justin Bennett, Johnathon Powell, Hannah Kelarek, Sarah (Brady) Zapalac, Great-great nephews and nieces, Ivy Anne Daniel, Lincoln and Harrison Fulton, Sadie and Saylor Williams, Emersyn Jane and Grace Williams, Ella, Jace and Jackson Bennett, and Scotty Zapalac.
James will be remembered for his character, kindness and gentle soul and devotion to faith, family and commitment to excellence in all he achieved. He was a member of First Baptist Church Temple.
A Celebration of Life is Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at 11:00 am with a visitation at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church in Temple located at 8015 W Adams Avenue. Private burial in Wilson Valley Cemetery.
The family thanks the excellent medical care given at Baylor Scott & White and Our Hospice House in Belton. A special thanks to Porfirio Reyes, long-time faithful farm employee and his numerous friends and colleagues for a lifetime of great memories.
Memorial contributions:
Temple College Foundation (James and Susan Scholarship): https://foundation.templecollege.edu/donation-opportunities.html
First Baptist Temple Future Building Fund:
https://pushpay.com/g/firsttemple
Academy ISD Foundation (James Kamas Scholarship): https://www.academyisd.net/parents-community/parents-community-a-z/academy-education-foundation
Our Hospice House Belton:
https://ourhospicehouse.org/donate/
or charity of choice.
