James Ray Brizendine

JAMES RAY BRIZENDINE, born March 1, 1951, passed from this earthly life on July 9, 2009. James, the son of Radien and William Brizendine, was born in DeQueen, Arkansas. James leaves behind a loving family, including wife Kitten Brizendine of Friendswood, Texas, daughters Jessica Brizendine and Noel Brizendine of Tyler, Texas, Heather Garza and husband Joe Garza, of Friendswood, Texas, son Taylor Brizendine of Tyler, Texas, parents Radien and William Brizendine of Pasadena, Texas, sister Karen Watson and husband Walter Watson of Grapevine, Texas, brother Kimball Brizendine and wife Jo Beth Brizendine of Friendswood, Texas, brother Paul Brizendine and wife Heather Brizendine of Greenville, Indiana, grandsons Kaidan Bailey of Tyler, Texas, Jayden and Jacob Garza of Friendswood, Texas and an extended loving family of nieces and nephews. James grew up in Pasadena, graduating from Pasadena High School in 1969. He received a bachelor's degree in Zoology from Texas A&M University. James pursued a career in chemistry; he became an international expert in oil field chemistry, traveling to and working in locations such as Alaska, Libya, Nigeria, Argentina, Peru and Egypt. Friends and family will remember James's love for all of the beauty and splendor of God's nature. He was an avid botanist and gardener. He nurtured his marvelous orchid collection and worked tirelessly in landscaping. His life-long passion for fishing extended from the rivers of Arkansas to the Gulf of Mexico. The greatest joy in James's life was his cherished wife and companion Kitten, who has walked by his side faithfully for many years. Those he left behind will miss James's stories, his kindness and generosity, and his unbridled enthusiasm for all the gifts of life. In lieu of floral tributes, the family would appreciate contributions to the Blue Santa project of the Friendswood Police Department, the Sagemont Church Building Fund, and Friendswood Heritage Garden Club. A memorial service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, 1804 S. Friendswood Drive in Friendswood, Texas on Saturday, July 11, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Ralph W. Hobratschk officiating. Condolences can be sent to the Brizendine Family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.