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James Albert "Bert" Fanette

James Fanette Obituary

JAMES ALBERT "BERT" FANETTE passed away unexpectedly Sunday morning, May 4,2008, in Nederland, TX. Bert was born in Port Arthur, TX, on August 21,1942, to Irwin & Marie "Mickie" Fanette. He graduated from Bishop Byrne in Port Arthur and attended Lamar University and Port Arthur Business College before moving to Houston. Bert played music all around Houston and eventually all around the country, even playing with Sonny & Cher! After marrying his wife and starting a family, Bert also began drafting piping design in the oil & gas industry. He continued playing music and drafting for the rest of his life. His love of music and a good joke characterized Bert, and he will be greatly missed. Bert is survived by his wife of almost 43 years, Jeannett; daughter and son-in-law Nicole & Scott Stonehouse; grandchildren Cade, Jack, & Claire; mother, Mickie Fanette, and brothers Marty and Kenneth. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 9th at 11:00 AM at St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church in Houston with a visitation starting at 10:00 AM at the church. Burial will be in Woodlawn Garden of Memories. Flowers may be sent to Legacy Memorial Funeral Services.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on May 8, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for James Fanette

21 Entries

Kristen Gholson

June 3, 2008

As a member of his family, I have had the privilege of knowing Bert all of my life. God truly blessed us with his presence, his love, his laughter, and sense of humor.
I will always remember Bert's love for his aunt, my mother. He was very special to her. She enjoyed seeing his face with that big smile entering the door. She talked about his visits for months. She always talked about his being a born musician.
Bert loved and cared for all he knew with his whole heart and soul. I will miss his special voice and warmth for the remaining days of my life.
David and I send our condolences and love to the entire Fanette family. We feel your loss.
Love, Kristen Gholson

Gene Kurtz

May 14, 2008

Bert was the best friend I ever had. I'll miss him every day, and cherish the good times we shared. My condolences to Jeanette, Nicole, and all of his family.

Greg Johnson

May 12, 2008

I worked with Bert in the early 90s. I'm sad at the thought of him passing. We had many great laughs both at work and by the pool with margaritas in hand.

Greg Gonzales

May 11, 2008

It's a sad day when we lose a legendary musician like Bert. He was always there among the top musician's ever since I started playing in the 60s. My deepest sympathy to Bert's family.

Syd vanWagner

May 10, 2008

This is truly a sad time. Bert and I worked together many times starting in the late 60's. We always had a great time together. We even got together at our home in Navasota from time to time later on.
I do lift his family up in prayer at this very trying time. You don't make a lot of close friends at work, I considered him to be one of mine.

Richard Whitenton

May 9, 2008

I had the honor of Bert's presence in my band. I would like to express my apologies for making him play Proud Mary, Wolley Bully and Wild Thing. He always had a smile no matter what and we already miss him.

David Boise

May 9, 2008

Bert,

My tremendous sadness today is tempered somewhat by wonderful memories of the time we played together. The years since those exuberant, crazy days have only made stronger my unbounded admiration for your professionalism, wit, astounding musicianship and impecable taste. Some of my fondest memories are those which deal with working with you, Tomi Lee, Ted and George in "Moxie". I have always been incredibly proud of the quality of the music we produced together and grateful both for the opportunity to work with a giant like yourself and for your patience with my halting attempts at playing. My prayers are with your wonderful wife and family today and I ask that the Lord bless them with the solace that only He can provide in this tumultuous and tragic time in their lives.

Until we meet again, my brother in Christ,

David ("mother") Boise

Norma Sparkman

May 9, 2008

Bert and Fanette lived accross the street from my family thirty-two years ago. We contined to be neighbors for well over a decade. He befriended all five of my sons in one way or another. He drove us to the hospital when one of them was hurt. He gave my oldest son a job, painting inside his house. My youngest child and Nicole played together almost daily, for many years. Bert was mega talented, but not only as a musican and draftsman. He designed and built beautiful things in his home. He made the best Margarittas! He was a perfectionist. My prayers are with the family of Bert Fanette: a good Son, Husband, Father, Friend and Neighbor.
With Love,
Norma Sparkman

Dale Gothia

May 8, 2008

I will always remember Bert as a fine person,great musician and friend. Peace to his family and friends.

Kirby Lammers

May 8, 2008

I will miss all the great times we had playing music together and raising funds for Champions Kids Camp. I am very thankful that I got to play your last gig with you and spend valulable time visiting and talking about all the other musicians we know. My wife and I send our prayers to all of the family and I know we will play music again in Heaven. We will miss you friend.

David & Beverly Kealey

May 8, 2008

Man, I'm gonna miss you for a long time. Thank you for being my close friend for all these years. I am honored to have played your last gig with you. Your spot as my favorite keyboard player will never be filled. I do know that we will see you in Glory because I know that you are a believer. God Bless you Jeannett, Nichole and family.

Cathy Brown

May 8, 2008

I worked with Bert at Mustang Eng., he will surely be missed. I will always remember his great smile and sense of humor. My prayers go out to his family.

Norman Holt

May 8, 2008

Bert and I worked together at Fish Engineering the late 60's and early 70's. We had a lot of good times there. He will be greatly missed.

John Anderson

May 8, 2008

I had the privilege to play music with Bert for a number of years and I always enjoyed his great talent as a musician and his extremely funny sense of humor. I can't every remember him being mad or upset during the times that we were playing together. He always had a smile and a joke or two to share. His keen since of being able to walk into a musical situation and play music that he had never heard before was uncanny. All he needed was the key of the song and he was good to go. Needless to say he had a great ear and facility on his instrument. Even though he had retired from playing with "The NightShift" band a number of years ago... we always looked forward to having the opportunity for him to come and fill in on occasions when our regular keyboardist could not make it to the gig. He will be missed by many. Our thoughts will be with his family thru these very trying times.

Dianne Duperier

May 8, 2008

My prayers are out to Bert's family at this sad time. I will always remember his great smile and his dedication to our Champions Kids Camp performing many years at our Annual BBQ Cookoff and our Annual New Year's Gala. He will be missed!
Prayers of strength and support go out to all his family.

Maricia Miller

May 8, 2008

I am so sad to hear this. Bert was always so sweet. My prayers go out to his family. I worked with him at Mustang, and he always spoke about his family with the utmost respect

Dennis Cotton

May 8, 2008

Bert was an inspiration as a musician and a valued friend. He was a great example of a husband and father. Everyone that knew him will miss his quick wit and positive outlook. We shared many hours discussing music and familiy. We love you, pal.

Steve Stallings

May 8, 2008

I had the great honor of playing music with Bert on many gigs in "Nightshift". He was a talented musician who I respected deeply. I'm sure he is being welcomed into the Lords allstar band. We miss you already Bert. Rest friend...

Ron Anderson

May 8, 2008

BERT WAS A FRIEND OF MINE WHOM I WORKED WITH AT DIFFERENT DESIGN FIRMS. WHEN MY DAUGHTERS WERE SMALL BERT CAME TO MY HOUSE FOR DINNER. AND HE SAW OUR PIANO ,SAT DOWN AND DIDNT STOP PLAYING FOR ABOUT AN HOUR. HE TOLD SOME FUNNY STORIES ABOUT SONNY & CHER, I USED TO STOP IN AT HIS BARN HOME AS I WAS COMING BACK FROM FAYETTEVILLE.. HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL OF HIS FRIENDS.

Kyle Garton

May 8, 2008

It was an honor and pleasure to work with Bert at Key Engineering many years ago. He was truly a great guy, fun to be around and he always had a kind word to share. I am so glad that I got to visit with Bert for awhile at a mutual friend's birthday party last year, we shared some great memories of some old friends. Bert will be sorely missed by all of us; what a great guy! My thoughts and prayers go out to Bert's family and friends at this sad time. May he find eternal peace and happiness in the house of our Lord. I will miss you my friend!

MIKE LaChausse

May 8, 2008

My fondest recollection of Bert was being with him in Cub Scouts. His Father, a great swimmer taught all the cubs to swim. We had a good time together. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family. He will surely be missed.

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