James M. “Jim” Ferrell, Jr., 61, of Port Neches, died Sunday, March 17, 2013, at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas, Port Arthur. He was born on February 20, 1952, in Houston, and moved to Beaumont in 1963. Jim graduated from French High School in 1970 and was the owner of Jim’s Drive In. Jim later joined the United States Air Force having served from 1972 until 1976.

After his Honorable Discharge from the service, Jim went to work for Stewart Title and was the manager for many wonderful years. He then became the Escrow Closer at Southeast Texas Title and had a membership with the Beaumont Board of Realtors. After leaving the title business, he then began working with Boys’ Haven and most recently he was a professor at Lamar Institute of Technology.

His affiliation with the Young Men’s Business League was a huge part of his outreach to other people. He served as past president in 2004; Keyman in 1995; Bull Ride Chairman in 2009; and Keyman president in 2010; in overall he served in many capacities for more than twenty-seven years.

Jimbo was a wonderful man, sometimes stubborn, but mostly a loving, caring, giving, and thoughtful man. He had a BIG heart. Jim was strong and very strong-willed but yet a gentle man and he loved his wife very much. A lot of people never saw the soft side of Jim, but he definitely had one. He had numerous passions, such as hunting with his family and friends. We have so many hunting stories and memories; especially to tell with his good buddies, Sam Fazio, B.J. Tullier, and Jim Gammage. Jim loved the beach, volunteering for the YMBL—he loved the organization and all the priceless relationships he had made.

He was a proud father and grandfather, aka “Pawpaw Jim” and loved all three of his children unconditionally. Jim loved his brother, Mark and his family as unconditionally as his own. And even though his brother, Scott, is no longer with us, his children were very precious to him as well. His extended families, such as The Gammages and The Springs were just as special to him.

Jimbo almost never met a stranger. It was not uncommon for us to bet if he would see someone he knew on many trips, where he would invariably speak and visit with them as well.

He loved playing golf and coached little league for many years. Jimbo was a twirler dad, and supported his children all through their sport activities. He helped them strive to be their very best. Jimbo also enjoyed volunteering for Realtor events and YMBL functions.

He is survived by his of wife twenty-three years, Sandy Ferrell; sons, Steven Brooke Ferrell of Beaumont and Ryan Forrest Ferrell of Lumberton; daughter, Jamie Marie Ferrell of Port Neches; grandson, Ryan Ferrell, Jr.; brother, Mark Ferrell and his wife, Sandi, of Beaumont, extended family and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim is preceded in death by his brother, Scott Forrest Ferrell; and parents, June and James Ferrell, Sr.

A gathering of Mr. Ferrell’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2013, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, March 21, 2013, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont, with interment to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.

Memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to Boys’ Haven of America, P.O. Box 5815, Beaumont, Texas 77726; Lamar Institute of Technology Foundation, c/o Jim Ferrell Real Estate Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 10085, Beaumont, Texas 77710; or to Wesley United Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713.