James Warren "JW" Gary

1929 - 2023

James Warren 'JW' Gary passed away on March 30, 2023, at his home in Sugar Land, Texas. JW was born in Cameron, Texas, on September 22, 1929, to William W. Gary and Christine Esslinger Gary. He grew up in San Marcos, Texas, graduating from San Marcos High School in 1947 as valedictorian. He was accepted into the Navy ROTC program at Rice Institute, Houston, and graduated from Rice in 1951 with a BA in English and Economics.

After his graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps and deployed to Korea after basic training. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" for his heroism in Korea on August 12-13, 1952. In early 1953, he transitioned to the Ready Reserve, serving until his honorable discharge with the rank of Captain on October 10, 1960.

While in the Marine Corps Ready Reserve, JW earned an LL.B. in 1956 from the University of Texas School of Law, Austin. During law school, JW met and married Dayle Hartkopf on December 11, 1954. In 1956, they moved to Corpus Christi to start a family and a new career. All three of their children were born and raised in Corpus Christi. JW practiced law for fifty years - the majority with the firm of Gary, Thomasson, Hall & Marks. He was proficient in many areas of law practice but was best known for his public school law expertise. He represented seven school districts in the area, including CCISD for more than 45 years.

JW and Dayle enjoyed dancing, activities with family and friends, and being outdoors. JW spent many happy moments on a tractor at his ranch. He and Dayle often escaped the summer heat at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. JW gave back to the community through his service with the Corpus Christi Rotary Club, St. Luke's United Methodist Church, Salvation Army Advisory Board, Paisano Girl Scout Council, Corpus Christi Mustangs, and Navy League Board.

In November 2014, Dayle and JW were preparing to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary when Dayle passed. Soon thereafter JW moved to Sugar Land to be closer to his children. At 85, he established a new set of friends and a new church membership. To many, JW was an attentive listener and source of wisdom and support. His favorite advice was "Never ever give up!" He lived his life by that maxim.

JW is survived by his brother, Charles Andrew 'Andrew' Gary (spouse, Carol) of San Marcos, his daughters, Jill Gary Hughes, of Houston, and Clair Gary Raisanen (spouse, Jim) of Sugar Land, and his son, James 'Jim' Mathew Gary (spouse, Kim) of Lake Jackson. He was the proud grandfather of six: Craig A. Raisanen (Rosi), Charles 'Chuck' A. Raisanen, April Gary Richards (Ryan), Kristen Gary Blakley (Bryant), Austin C. Gary (Kristen), and Travis G. Hughes (Hannah McDonald). He was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren, all of whom visited this past Christmas.

The family would like to thank those who assisted with JW's care, including family friend, Ado Gonzalez. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 11:00 am at Sugar Land Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Rd., Sugar Land; a reception at the church will follow. In lieu of flowers, you may make contributions to the Semper Fi & America's Fund, Sugar Land Methodist Church, or a charity of your choice.