Leon Cornelia James

LEON CORNELIA JAMES, 98, better known as "Neat", was born on June 28, 1927, in Anderson, Texas to Mrs. Charlotte Ann Knox and Mr. Richard Wardsworth James. Leon entered eternal rest on Sunday, January 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Leon accepted Christ at an early age and united with Lee Tabernacle United Methodist Church in Navasota, Texas. He was educated in the Anderson Public School System and upon leaving school, he traveled to Galveston, Texas in 1945 and worked at the Cotton Shed before returning to Anderson, Texas. He enlisted in the United States Army on November 1, 1950, and served as a Military Police at the Fort Custer Army Base in Fort Custer, Michigan. He was honorably discharged on November 3, 1952. In between those years, he met the love of his life, Marie Delores Bay, and they were married on June 21, 1951. They welcomed their four children, Leon Cornel "Billy", Ronald Phillip "Phil", Teresa Yvette and Debra Denise. After returning to Galveston, Texas to make it their home, he was hired at Century Paper Company where he was a delivery driver for more than twenty five years. He joined the Wesley Tabernacle United Methodist Church where he was a devoted and faithful member and served on the Finance, Trustees, Methodist Men, the Saturday Breakfasts and the Mission House Committees. He and his wife also owned and operated the Havenette Diner, for more than twenty-five years, serving breakfast and soul food lunches. They believed in giving back and every year, the Thanksgiving meal was served free of charge.

He is preceded in death by his wife, parents, son, Leon "Billy" James, daughter, Teresa James Ivory; son-in-law, Charles Ivory, great granddaughter, baby Chrysalyn Ivory, brothers; Hulen, Robert, Jesse, Sr., Chester, Ralph, Sr., Royce, Sr., sisters; Mary Helen Hall, and Madeline James. He is also preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law; Mr. Adam and Mrs. Adeline Carrington Bay and their children, 8 sons and 6 daughters.

He leaves a legacy of fond and cherished memories with his son, Ronald P. James, Sr., (Deborah); daughter, Debra James Liedy (Alexander); Grandchildren: Renicia Williams; Octavia Hudson(Jimmy); Ronald James, Jr.; Eric James (Kierra); Marcus Ford (Brie); Gretchen Ivory; Lauren James; Harry Ivory, Sr. (DeAndrea); and Ryan James (Tiffany); 47 Great grandchildren; and 8 Great-great grandchildren; Goddaughters: Tracy Dwyer Beasley (Andre); Dacia James Lewis (Walter); and Danetta Beal; Godson, Rev. Michael Dwyer; cousins: Eloise Oliver and Geraldine Dennis; devoted Niece: Tracy Ferguson Taylor; sister-in-law, Mary F. James; aa host of special nieces and nephews; and a host of devoted friends who will forever remember his kindness, his great sense of humor and his beautiful spirit. He never met a stranger and always gave assistance to those who needed a helping hand.

Being the Patriarch of the James and Bay families was a position that he upheld to the end and a gift that he dearly cherished. His life was a testament to his unwavering Faith in God and the Love he had for his family and friends. He will be dearly missed by all!

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