James Lanier Britton III
1935-2021
James Lanier Britton III passed away peacefully at home on Monday, the 13th of September 2021. He was a lifelong, 4th generation Houstonian born on the 18th of April 1935, to Marian Mellinger Britton and James Lanier Britton, both of whom preceded him in death. Jimmy attended the Kinkaid School and St. John's School in Houston, graduating from The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey in 1953. Afterwards, he matriculated at The University of Texas, graduating in 1957. Upon graduation, he returned to Houston to begin a career in banking; he later joined his father in both the insurance and real estate investment/development business, a career that he maintained for 60 years.
Marrying the love of his life, Judith Pond in 1959, they were blessed with two sons: James Lanier Britton IV and John Jamison Britton. Judy and Jimmy were active at Christ Church Cathedral where Jimmy served on the Vestry. Later, they became parishioners at St. John the Divine, where he remained an active member for the remainder of his life. Jimmy was passionate about music, gardening, and cooking, often curating unique cuisine to prepare for family and friends. Jimmy also had a deep appreciation for collecting arts and antiques, an interest that he gleaned from his parents.
Additionally, Jimmy and Judy enthusiastically traveled the globe; the more exotic the locale, the better the trip. Trips to China, Antarctica, Russia, the Holy Land and Papua New Guinea were among a few of their favorites. While Judy and Jimmy spent much time abroad, they cherished their time in Cape Cod, where they spent many happy summers with family and friends. Jimmy was a member of River Oaks Country Club and a charter member of The Philosophes, an illustrious group dedicated to celebrating many of Jimmy's passions, such as dining, travel and art. He also served on the Board of Directors at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston with a primary interest in the Bayou Bend Collection.
Jimmy is survived by his wife, Judith Pond Britton; his brother, George Mellinger Britton; his sister, Marian Edith Britton; his sons, James Lanier Britton IV and his wife Lori, John Jamison Britton and his wife Martha; his grandchildren, Jennifer Britton McClinton and her husband Sean, Emily Britton Coleman and her husband Jason, Allison Britton Evans and her husband Timothy, and James Lanier Britton V, John Jamison Britton Jr., Charles Mellinger Britton, and Robert Sweeney Britton. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Adam James McClinton, Audrey Mae McClinton, Isla Catherine Evans and Ford Michael Coleman.
The family would like to thank his doctors, Chris Nevins and George Younis, along with caregivers, Clara Cardenas and Miguel Ramirez, for their continued support and commitment.
Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from four o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock in the evening on Wednesday, the 15th of September, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.
A memorial service is to be conducted at three o'clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 16th of September, at the Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard in Houston, where the Rev. Dr. Leigh Spruill, Rector, will officiate.
Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent Sumners Hall.
Prior to the service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Glenwood Cemetery.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in her name be directed to the Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77019; or the charity of one's choice in his name.
Please visit Mr. Britton's online memorial tribute at GeoHLewis.com where memories and words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.