James Risinger

James Van Hugh Risinger, son of Bronson and Agnes Risinger, was born August 6, 1927, in Rusk, Texas and went to be with our Lord October 14, 2011. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and infant son.

James graduated from Laneville High School in 1944, and enlisted in the Navy in October, 1945, where he served four years, primarily in the Philippines during WW II. After serving in the Navy, James graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees. While attending college, James married Anna Jo Murray. They celebrated 60 years of marriage December 19, 2010.

In 1952, James began his career in education as a teacher in Sabine. He then taught in Leverett's Chapel, where he was recently inducted into the Leverett's Chapel Hall of Fame. In 1959, James and Anna Jo moved to Deer Park, Texas. James continued his career in education. First, he taught as an elementary teacher, next as an elementary principal, and then for the remainder of his career as Assistant Superintendant for Personnel. Throughout his career, James was affiliated with the Gulf Coast Association of School Personnel Administrators, American Association of School Personnel Administrators, and the Texas Association of School Administrators, where he was inducted as an honorary life member in 1992.

While in Deer Park, James was an active member of Deer Park United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School and served on various boards. Also, he was a member of the Deer Park Rotary Club for 35 years, where he served as a past president. After retiring, James enjoyed spending time with his grandsons and attending their activities.

James' life exemplified a life of service to his family and his community by always putting others first. In his Christian walk, James lived out the verse from Matthew 25:40, "In as much as you did it to the least of these my brethren, you did it unto me."

He is survived by daughters, Luann Mire and her husband, Patrick Mire of San Antonio; Beth Wilder and her husband Clay Wilder of Henderson; four grandsons, Alan Mire, Andrew Mire, John Wilder, and Ben Wilder; and brother Charles Risinger and his wife Norma Risinger. The four grandsons and son-in-laws will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that donations be made to First United Methodist Church at 204 N. Marshall, Henderson, TX 75652 and/or Deer Park United Methodist Church at 1300 East 13th St., Deer Park, TX 77536.

The burial will be held at Walkers Chapel Cemetery at 11a.m. Monday, October 17, 2011, followed by a memorial service at 1p.m. with Rev. David Luckert officiating at Crawford-A. Crim Funeral Home in Henderson.

Condolences may be made online at www.crawfordacrim.com.