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SAN ANGELO Heaven gained another angel in today, George Ernest James of Big Lake joined his granddaughter, Kara Faith Brown, in Heaven on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2014. George was born in Washburn, Texas, on Aug. 17, 1932, to George W. James and Cecil Cloninger who preceded him in death, along with Kara; and his brother-in-law, Williard Dellis. George, (known as papa to the grandkids) after defying doctors and living more than a decade on stubborn will alone, made it to his goal of seeing his 82nd birthday this past Sunday. He passed along his giant chin dimple and habit of yelling at news reporters and political speeches on television. He leaves behind a loving wife of 59 years, Bettie Rice James; two sons, Billy David and wife Kathleen of Phoenix, Arizona, and Ricky Dale and wife Sherri of Round Rock, Texas; and one daughter, Sheri and husband Ray Brown of San Angelo, Texas. Also survived by nine grandchildren, Jennifer, Carrie, Garrett, Justin, Matthew, Jordan, Meagan, Cory and Zack; and 12 great-grandchildren, Nathanial, Caleb, Preston, Kate, Tiny, Hunter, Judah, Jaydan, Cayson, Tristan, Chance and Rylan. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22, 2014, in Glen Rest Cemetery in Big Lake. The Rev. J.B. Bitner and the Rev. Gerald Bastin will be performing the ceremony. There will be military honors by the U.S. Marine Corps (Semper Fi). George graduated from Levelland High School in 1949, and attended Hardin Simmons University the following fall for three semesters. At that time, the Korean war broke out and along with six buddies he joined the U.S. Marines in 1951, and was shipped out to Yokuska at Camp Magill, they loaded their LVTA.5s on to LST and landed in Inchon Korea from Inchon went out to Kempo Pennisula to protect Kempo Air Field. After his return to the U.S., in the seventh replacement draft in Fall 1952, he returned to Hardin Simmons to continue his education. He graduated from Hardin Simmons in Spring 1954, and was employed by Ralls Public School as biology and history teacher along with coaching. In February 1955, he married Bettie Lou Rice. They eloped to Albuquerque, N.M., and were joined in marriage by a former Ralls pastor that had baptized Bettie. In 1958, he decided to change careers and accepted a position with a pharmaceutical company. After doing that for nine years he decided to attend pharmacy school. So the family moved to Norman, Oklahoma, in Fall 1967, where he attended the University of Oklahoma. He graduated in 1971, passed pharmacy boards in both Oklahoma and Texas, and after doing six months internship in Abilene moved to Big Lake where he remained. He opened Reagan Professional Pharmacy in 1974, and retired after 20 years. As a pharmacist George served and cared for the Big Lake community with a passion and was well loved by many. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. George's passion was shotgun sports. He and Bettie traveled around to several states and participated in skeet and trap shoots. He was a member of Big Lake Gun Club and had served on the hospital board and city council for several years. He shared his affinity for guns, bullet making and selling drugs with his son, Ricky, and grandson Justin (legally of course) as they represent three generations of pharmacists. George was taken care of for the last nine months by Hospice of San Angelo. They loved arguing with him and fussing over the medications they would give him. But in spite of that they bonded with him and are very loving caregivers. Thanks so much Anna, Vicky and Laura. You girls are awesome. Thanks to my First Baptist Church of Big Lake family for all your love, prayers and support. Any memorials may be sent to charity of your choice. To God be the glory.
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5 Entries
Ron D & Sue J COX
September 10, 2014
Sending lots of love to you, Betty, and your children. George was a great 'secretary' and a fun guy. Hugs-
Vicky Fisher
August 23, 2014
Wish we could be there with you. Know that you are in our hearts. You will be missed
Love ya
Don and Linda (Cloninger) Wright
August 21, 2014
George was a true gentlemen with a contagious smile. We are sadden for your loss but rejoice with George in finishing his race. Rest in peace George
Blessings and hugs to each of you.
Larry & Donna Isom
Donna Isom
August 21, 2014
Is the coffee on, George?
Rest in peace, old friend.
Jim McCoy
August 21, 2014
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