Stephen Wright James, 70, passed away surrounded by his family Friday, December 5th 2014 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont. He was born on December 8th 1943 in Horatio, Arkansas to the late Charles Stephen and Mary Rena Beeson James. Steve and his loving wife Joe Ann raised their 3 children Joey, Jerry and Stephanie in Port Neches, Texas where Steve grew up along with his 4 brother and 4 sisters.
After obtaining distinction as an Eagle Scout, he graduated from Port Neches-Groves High School in 1961. Steve followed his father by working at Texas US, which became Ameripol Synpol in Port Neches until 1980. He then made the decision for his family to go back to school and get his real estate license. Steve would go on to co-found Blount, Guidry & James Properties in Port Neches and work in the real estate business for over two decades in Mid-County. During this time, Steve also took great pleasure in teaching real estate at Lamar University. For the last 8 years, Steve has worked at ExxonMobil in Beaumont for Newtron.
Steve had a deep love and great skill in carpentry. He took pride in teaching this skill to his children and grand children. He was an avid outdoorsman and grew up hunting and fishing with his father and brothers. He carried on this tradition throughout his life with his sons and grandsons.
His greatest joy in life was taking part in the successes of his children and grand children and watching them grow up in and around the same community that he built his wonderful life with Joe Ann; these successes were his proudest achievements; from football and baseball games to dance recitals, softball and soccer games, Steve was there to be their biggest fan. Most recently, Steve was blessed with great grandchildren, a whole new generation to the family he built.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mary Charlene Martin. Steve is survived by his wife Joe Ann James, his children Joey James & Danice of Port Neches, Jerry James of Nederland, Stephanie Stampley & Kevin of Port Neches; his grandchildren, Dallon James & Laney, Mauri James, Korbin Stampley & Katie, Maranda James, Kirsten James, Samantha Stampley and Lauren James; his great-grand children Emma Jo James, Riter Boone James and Jaxson Wright Stampley; His brothers Richard James, Roy James, Tony James, and Mark James; and sisters, Anita Weaver, Susan Phelps, and Debbie Jones.
A gathering of Mr. James’ family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Monday, December 8, 2014, at First United Methodist Church, 1826 Nall Street, Port Neches. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, December 9, 2014, at First United Methodist Church, Port Neches, with his interment to follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park, Port Neches.
