JAMAES H. "BUTCH" MAPLES

JAMAES "BUTCH" H. MAPLES McALLEN - Mr. James "Butch" H. Maples, 73, died March 29, 2014. He loved God, his family, and Baylor University. He was a member of First Baptist Church of McAllen for 46 years. Jim thrived on family time with his five children and four grandchildren coaching them on the football field and in life. He was a student athlete throughout his academic years achieving All-American status while at Baylor University. Jim went on to play professional football for the Baltimore Colts and Pittsburg Steelers retiring post injury to enter the world of business where he brought his competitive edge to retail management. Jim was an entrepreneur who embodied the "can do" spirit at every turn. His work ethic knew no limits or obstacle; he never quit. Jim loved gospel hymns. Memories of him whistling "How Great Thou Art" resonate with his entire family. Jim loved to fly. He loved the challenge and freedom it afforded him. He was fiercely passionate about life, sentimental in nature, and cherished his friends, colleagues, teammates and family with all of his heart. Despite being a truly private man, Jim's charming style, twinkling eyes and infectious smile made those around him feel as if he "never met a stranger". Jim's favorite scripture was Psalm 91: 1-16. The family would like to share the first two verses in memory. "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust". Jim is survived by his five children, Jamie Lynn Harris of Waco, TX, her husband Nicholas J. Harris and their daughter Caroline Hope; Steven Bailey Maples of McAllen, TX, his daughter Molleigh Elisabeth Menchaca (Jaime Menchaca) of Mission, TX; Jennifer Ann Hollis of Mission, TX, her husband William K. Hollis and their sons Jacob Thurmond and Caleb Reed; Elizabeth Ashley Maples of Waco, TX; James Kameron Maples of McAllen, TX. Jim is also survived by his sister, Linda McDaniel of Mt. Vernon, TX and nieces/nephews David Cates, Sheila Lubojasky, Rebecca Long, Shannon Brown, and Sheree Norton all of Texas. Jim is preceded in death by his father, John David Maples; mother, Jessie Caudle Maples; and brother, Bobby Ray Maples. The family requests donations to be made to the American Heart Association. Visitation will be held at Kreidler Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 1, 2014 from 5:30-8:00pm. Funeral service will be 2:00pm Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at First Baptist McAllen with burial to follow at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery. kreidlerfuneralhome.com Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries