Gerald Ray James' Obituary
Gerald R. James, loving husband, father, and grandfather was welcomed to his eternal home by his Lord and Savior on Sunday evening, July 22, 2018. He passed away at his home, in Dallas, at the age of 83.Gerald was born in Dallas, Texas. While growing up at Highland Baptist Church of Dallas, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and savior. In 1956, he married, the love of his life, Virginia Lou Stephens of Eden, Texas. Virginia and Gerald then enjoyed their next 58 years of marriage before the Lord called Virginia home in 2014.Gerald is survived by his son, Gerald R. James, Jr. and his wife Laura and his daughter Jennifer James Lamberth and her husband Bradley. Gerald is also survived by his grandchildren, Ryan B. Lamberth and his wife Kelsi, Julianne James Isenberg and her husband Jonathan, Reid B. Lamberth and his wife Rebekah, Jeffrey R. James and his wife Taylor, and Adalee Lamberth Hilgenkamp and her husband Nate and numerous nieces and nephews.Shortly after marrying Virginia in 1956, Gerald and Virginia moved to Munich, Germany where he was stationed with the helicopter unit of the U.S. Army. After three years of service, Gerald and Virginia moved back to Brownwood, TX where he began numerous business endeavors. At his core, Gerald was an entrepreneur and pilot.Upon moving back to Brownwood, TX, Gerald started James Vending Company, which provided juke boxes for a great portion of central Texas. After several successful years of managing James Vending Company, Gerald began his career as a pilot. He spent several years gaining certifications as a mechanic and pilot in nine different planes. Gerald flew for the Herman Bennet Company for seven years before founding Eagle Airlines in 1976. Eagle Airlines provided round trip flights daily from Brownwood, TX to Dallas, TX. Other notable aviation positions included, V.P. of Metro Airlines in Houston, TX, Executive V.P. of Best Airlines in Cincinnati, OH, and Executive V.P. of Dolphin Airlines in Houston, TX. After a successful career in aviation, Gerald and Virginia moved back to Dallas, TX. Before retiring, Gerald worked as a Crash Investigator, investigating airplane crashes for Lycoming Engines in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration.The family will receive visitors at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Ave, Dallas, Texas 75243, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, 2018. Everyone is invited to attend a graveside funeral on Sunday, July 29, 2018 starting at 10:00 am @ Restland Cemetery, 13005 Greenville Ave, Dallas, Texas 75243.
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