James Russell Saunders Jr.

SAUNDERS Dr. James (Jim) Russell Saunders, Jr., age 92, retired veterinarian, died December 11, 2010. Jim was born in San Marcos, Texas on February 27, 1918 to James R. and Minnie Maud Donohoe Saunders. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Dorothy Claudine Eisenhauer and brother, John Thomas Saunders and former wives, Betty Doran Saunders and Dorothy Schram Saunders. He is survived by his wife of 21 years, Velma Rehmet Saunders; seven children, Joellen Howle of Arlington TX, James Russell Saunders III and wife, Carol of Winter Park FL, Terry S. Key and husband, Terry W. Key of Conroe TX, Thomas G. Saunders and wife, Virginia (Ginger) of Giddings TX, Patrick D. Saunders and wife, Donna of Spring TX, Jeffery D. Saunders and wife. Kathy of Cibolo TX and Robert D. Saunders of Webb County TX; seventeen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim spent many of his early years in Wimberly where his family had a ranch and where he grew to love the animals and the outdoors. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1935; attended John Tarleton College and Texas A & M College where he received a degree in veterinary medicine in 1941. From 1941 - 1943. Jim was an animal clinic instructor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. He opened a private practice in Brownfield TX for a short period prior to volunteering for military service. From 1943 - 1946, he served in the US Navy Hospital Corps in San Diego CA. Upon discharge from the Navy, Jim received a commission in the US Army Reserves Veterinary Corps. From 1947 - 1950 he was in private practice in Taylor TX and San Saba TX. He then accepted a position as Professor of Surgery at the University of Georgia's Veterinary College, Jim returned to San Antonio and was in private practice from 1953 - 1991. Dr. Saunders retired in 1991 after 50 years of a rewarding career. Upon retirement he continued enjoying the activities of a small ranch in south Texas and the outdoor life that he had lived most of hi lifetime. Among Dr. Saunders professional associates, he was known as a leader. He served as American Veterinary Association (AVMA) delegate from Texas; was elected to the AVMA Judicial Council for two five year terms. Additionally, he was elected to the Council of Biological and Therapeutic Agents; was appointed to the Advisory Committee of the Department of HEW for special project grants for Colleges of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Saunders was the past President of Bexar County Veterinary Medical Association and past Vice President of Texas Veterinary Medical Association. Jim served as speaker on professional subjects on frequent occasions. Jim was a long time member of Central Christian Church of San Antonio, having joined the Church on Palm Sunday 1931. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the loving care he received from Mary Jane Villegas and Lauren A. Trevino. Service Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 followed by the Funeral Service at 3:00 PM at Mission Park Funeral Chapels North, Pastor Thom Albin officiating. Interment will follow in Mission Burial Park North. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Central Christian Church, 720 N. Main, San Antonio TX; the Humane Society of Bexar County; Animal Defense League or the charity of choice.