James Agee

Col. James D. Agee (USAR), of Banning, CA, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by his wife, Karen Wells Agee, also of Banning and his parents, Harry Lee and Forrest Agee of El Paso, TX. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Rev. James D and Robin Agee, Jr., of Pearcy, AR; a son, David Bart Agee of Clifton, VA; a daughter, Kathryn Jane Agee Norton of Grapevine, TX; and an adopted daughter and her husband, Jimmie and Amy Vaughan of Round Rock, TX; four grandchildren, Kyle and Christie Agee of Little Rock, AR, Sarah Agee of Pearcy, AR, Lamar Norton of Grapevine, TX and Shelby Vaughan of Round Rock, TX; as well as a host of relatives and friends. Col Agee graduated from Austin High School and Texas Western College (B.A., Business Management, 1954), where he played quarterback for both teams. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, the Men of Mines, and Army ROTC. He was a paratrooper, Armed Forces War College graduate, Legion of Merit recipient, Selective Service Officer and served in various other Army positions. He retired as a full colonel in 1992, after 38 years active and reserve duty. In his business career, Agee was Senior Vice President and Co-owner of Tex-Togs, Inc. and Senior Vice President, General Manager and Co-owner of Sun Apparel, Inc. He was one of the three men that originated the "Winnie the Pooh" clothing line for Sears. Sun Apparel received the Governor's Award for Most Outstanding New Business in Texas. After his retirement from the clothing business he owned two Comet Cleaner franchises in Conroe, TX as well as an AMWAY distributorship. Agee was a member of the Kiwanis, a Master Mason, and past President of the UTEP Alumni Association. He received the El Paso Parks and Recreation Distinguished Citizen Award as well as the Key to the City of El Paso. He was a founding member and past President of the Southwest Apparel and Textile Manufacturers Association (SWAT'M). He served on the Board of Directors of numerous country clubs, civic and charitable organizations. He also served as a City Alderman in Spur, TX. He was a life-long member of the United Methodist Church and the Republican Party. Memorial donations may be made to Hickory Grove Baptist Church, 13364 Highway 84, Bismark, AR 71929 or Valley Hope Association, 2300 William D. Tate Ave., Grapevine, TX 76051. Graveside Service will be held Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 11:00 AM at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery with full military honors, Rev. Jim Agee Jr., and Dr. James H. Jauncey will be officiating. Honorary Pallbearers Don Henderson, Tom Hussman, Don Spradling, Dr. Bob Seaton and Wayne Windle. Services entrusted to Harding Orr and McDaniel Funeral Home, 320 Montana Ave.