James Francis Pons

James Francis Pons was born in San Antonio, Texas on September 11, 1916 to Francisco and Anita Pons - their beloved first child. He died May 23, 2007 at age 90. James joins his parents, his sisters Juanita and Mary Ann, and brother Frank in eternal peace. James graduated from St. Mary's Parochial School and graduated from the first "full term" class of Central Catholic High School in 1933. At age 19, James traveled to Washington, D.C. to work for the Department of Labor. Later, he joined the U.S. Army Air Force which sent him to England, France and Germany during WWII. In France, James took part in the Liberation of France in the days following D-Day, disembarking at Omaha Beach. He was present in Paris for the Liberation of Paris. He also served in Luxembourg and Belgium during The Battle Of The Bulge. After the war, James worked at Brooks AFB in civil service, retiring in 1971. James took enormous pride in his Spanish ancestry and possessed a great love of the family's ancestral home, Son Vidal, in Menorca, Spain. He visited Spain ten times, each time visiting his closest friend Jose Bagur Petrus. James loved life, was very sentimental, and had a strong sense of propriety and responsibility - caring for his parents and his sister in their times of need. Although he never married, he was the respected leader of the family and a father figure to his sister's three children. James followed the UT Longhorns fanatically and was fascinated by all things Spanish: the food, the history, the people, and the land itself. He relished being the Pons family historian. James is survived by his brother Anthony J. Pons and his wife, Lupe; and by his brother Joseph Pons. Also surviving are nine nieces and nephews and their spouses: Francine Pons, James Francisco Pons and Blanca Martinez; Stephen J. Pons and wife Norma Jean; Robert Pons and wife Veronica; Francie Pons Rodriguez and husband Edward; Marcia Pons; Tony Pons; Larry Pons and Valerie Pons Kelley. Also surviving are twelve great nieces and nephews. The Pons family would like to thank Dr. Charles Briseno, Dr. Rudolph Massari, and the staff at the Nix Hospital. Visitation of the body will begin at 5 p.m. followed by the Rosary at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 24th at Porter Loring Mortuary located at 1101 McCullough, San Antonio, TX. The Funeral Mass will be on Friday, May 25th at 10 a.m. at St. Henry's Catholic Church followed by interment at San Fernando Cemetery #2.