James Calvin “Jake” Loftin, 80, of Thicket died Friday, December 16, 2011, at his home surrounded by his family and close friends. A native and lifelong resident of Thicket, he was born August 24, 1931 to Zena Mavis (Myers) and James Eddie Loftin.  He served his country in the United States Army from 1952 to 1960, active duty during the Korean Conflict and the reserves for six years. He was a retired operator with Sunoco Oil Company in Nederland where he worked for thirty-two years.  After his retirement, he filled his days working the land that once belonged to his grandfather.  He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and neighbor, and the respected patriarch of a large family, where he will be greatly missed.

Survivors include the love of his life for sixty years, Walterine Loftin of Thicket; son, Calvin Wayne Loftin and his wife, Linda of Thicket; daughters, Sue Loftin and her husband, Hank of Saratoga, Gail Davis and her husband, Joe of Sour Lake, Flo Loftin of Sour Lake, and Jimmie Bailey and her husband, Richard of Trinity; fourteen grandchildren; and twenty-three great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Herbert Ray Loftin; and sister, Margie Shoats.

His funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 18, 2011, at Broussard’s, 530 W. Monroe, Kountze with Reverend Frank Aragon and Reverend Tolbert Hudspeth officiating. Interment will follow at Felps Cemetery in Thicket.  A gathering of his family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Saturday, December 17, 2011, at Broussard’s.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Dr. George E. Thomas for his care and compassion during this difficult time.