Dr. James Guess' Obituary
Dr. James Guess, Sr entered Omega Chapter on October 29, 2014 with his beloved family at his side following a long and courageous fight. He was the third surviving child born to Henry and Rozella (Reed) Guess, in Denmark, South Carolina on April 13, 1922. He had an older brother, Henry Clay and sister, Hattie Lee. He finished his early schooling at Voorhees Elementary and High School and initiated his college studies at Voorhees College. School was interrupted by World War II and he was inducted into the army. He trained at Fort Huachuca in AZ and was then off to participate in some of the fiercest fighting in North Africa and Italy. He was honorably discharged and upon his return home, he was able to enroll in a special program which allowed him to attend Veterinary school at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He graduated from there in 1950 with a degree in Veterinary medicine. While there he became a member of the Omega Psi Phi and was initiated into the Lambda Epsilon chapter in 1949. During this time he met Janie Belle Powell and they were married in 1950. To this union were born Gloria Elizabeth and James Allen. After graduation, Dr. Guess initially set up practice in Denmark, South Carolina. He soon joined the US Dept. of Agriculture and was sent to Mexico to help treat large animal diseases which were affecting the cattle industry. This would eventually take him to Canada and the Northern US to treat similar problems. Eventually, he settled in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. There he worked in meat and poultry inspection. He ultimately returned to SC working in Walterboro where he remained until retiring from the USDA in 1987. He stayed active with the Fraternity helping to charter the Mu Nu chapter in Rockville, MD. He served in multiple rolls and offices and was presented Omega Man of the Year on numerous occasions. He continued his efforts in SC as a member of Nu Upsilon and Tau Lota Lota before finally moving to Texas and joining the Alpha Lota Lota Chapter. He always had a thought of how to make his fraternity better. He truly embodied the Cardinal principles of Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance and Uplift. He was extremely proud his fraternity and the institutions that had helped to create him and you would usually see him wearing some kind of identifying dress whenever he was out. He was baptized as a young boy and joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Blackville, SC. He stayed active with his church and community organizations over the years. He regularly attended events at HBCU’s. In Walterboro, he was a long time member of Mt Olive Baptist Church. In Dallas, he became a member of Northeast Bible Church. He was insistent upon improving the quality of life of his fellow man. He thought that the Church of Jesus was the vehicle to make an impact on the world. This led him to hold numerous positions and roles during his time allotted on this earth. He served as an example to his family and those he came in contact with. It can be truly said that he never met a stranger because once he got a grip on your hand; you were not leaving until you received the wisdom he thought you needed. He leaves to celebrate his legacy his wife and son along with his daughter-in-law, grandson, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, brothers and friends. A prayer service for James Guess will be held at 6:00 PM, Thursday, November 6, 2014 at Northeast Bible Church. The service for James Guess will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Northeast Bible Church with a visitation from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the service at the church. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75238.
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