Gary A James' Obituary
Dr. Gary A. James’ spirit transitioned from earth on September 15, 2022. He was born on “The Island”, Galveston, Texas on February 4, 1938 to his beloved parents Alta Mae and David James. He is survived by Gail S. Bell, Jean G. James (the mother of his children), Melissa L. James (Timothy Capper) and David G. James (Susan B. James) and his beloved grandchildren, Emily & Duncan James and Maxwell & Mirra Capper.
During WWII, he spent three years living on his grandparent’s farm where life was simple. They had no electricity, heat was from wood burning stoves and water was from a well. Transportation was by horse and wagon. He plow-busted farmland behind a mule, picked cotton for 5 cents a pound and cut sugarcane. After the war, his family moved to La Marque, TX where he was a four-sport athlete that received 12 letters during high school. He earned his Bachelors and Masters degrees from Sam Houston State University and his Doctorate in Higher Education from the University of Illinois. He was very proud that he was able to achieve all of these educational accomplishments while paying all the cost himself and supporting his family. While in school, he worked a variety of jobs including seaman for the U.S. Corp of Engineers and fire fighter and trail builder for the U.S. National Park Service. Post-graduate, he spent time as a biology teacher, a college basketball coach and counselor, and college administrator.
Upon moving to Dallas in the early 1970’s, he was part of a team that helped develop the Dallas County Community College District. Gary became a successful real estate developer, broker and investor until he retired.
Gary was a sports enthusiast and loved the game of golf. He supported his children in their academic and sports pursuits, braving the coldest of winters and the hottest of summers whenever there was a game or a practice. He also volunteered as a coach for many youth teams where he taught the virtues of hard work and discipline. He did not miss a beat with his grandchildren, always supporting them in dance, sports and the pursuit of the arts. Finally, he was a master at the art of BBQ and loved having everyone over for a party with huge amounts of brisket, sausage and plenty of cold beer.
Gary helped so many people during his life, whether it was welcoming every type of player to his youth sports team, providing monetary assistance to help with college fees or assisting a person down on his luck. Gary was in your corner.
He loved and took care of so many animals, his fur friends. Gary’s big presence, huge HEART, sense of humor, honesty, intuitiveness and intelligence will be sorely missed. Please remember him in your prayers, for his kindnesses were many, his generosity unmatched, and his gregarious love of life evident throughout his 84 years.
We loved our Potsie and we know he loves us!
Gary requested no services. In lieu of flowers please donate in Gary’s name, to a charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements for Mr. Gary A James have been faithfully entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, which is located at 13005 Greenville Ave., at the intersection of Restland Road, Dallas, Texas 75243, and can be reached at (972) 238-7111.
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