James "Jim" Pool's Obituary
On October 20, 2019, James “Jim” Pool was received into the arms of Jesus after a battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia at the age of 77.Jim was born in Jacksonville, Texas, August 31, 1942 to Fred and Verlon Pool. He graduated from Henderson High School and served in the United States Army as a Specialist until he was honorably discharged in August of 1968. He left his military service holding a Purple Heart Medal as well as a Bronze Star and National Defense Service Medal.Jim married Carmen Altenburg in 1965 and together they lived and worked in various cities in Texas and Louisiana and served local churches, and were active members, for many years, at First Baptist Church of Richardson. Jim’s greatest career passion was the funeral industry. He was a Funeral Director employed by Restland Funeral Home in Dallas where he worked full-time right up until the day he became ill. He took a 15 year mid-career break from the funeral industry to work as a sales representative for Gillette company personal care division and Sales Southwest Brokerage Firm, servicing both the greater Texas and Louisiana territories. Jim’s favorite personal memories include traveling across the US and Canada with Carmen. Neither of them had a strong desire to travel outside of North America, as they felt there was plenty or beauty and majesty to be found in more regional travel. Touring New England states to see the fall colors was one of his favorite travel itineraries.Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, his beloved Carmen, in 2018. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Verlon Pool, as well as brother-in-law, Don Turlington, earlier this year.He leaves behind two brothers and sisters-in law: Donald (Shirley) Pool and David (Patsy) Pool. He leaves behind sisters-in law: Georgann Turlington and Judy (Malcolm) Henderson. His nieces on the Pool side, include: Cynthia Pool, Sherri (Darrell) Melear and Karen (Larry) Jacks; his nieces and nephews on the Altenburg side include: Melanie (Brent) Amundson, Amy (Sam) Chambers, Kyle (Young Hae) Turlington and Matthew (Beth) Henderson. He was blessed with ten great nieces and nephews and four great-great nieces and nephews.Jim has requested that donations in his memory be made to Joni and Friends of Texas: http://www.joniandfriends.org/texas/
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