James Earl (J. Earl) Brickhouse, 83, of Beaumont, died December 31, 2014, of cardiac arrest. Known for his robust sense of humor, he was the life of the party, and threw many with his beloved wife Jean. He was a devoted family man, devout Catholic, and a major advocate of volunteerism. A native Beaumonter, Brickhouse was born May 18, 1931. He graduated from St. Anthony High School, earned an Associate Arts degree from Lamar Junior College in 1950, served in the Army during the Korean Conflict, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of Texas in 1955.
Brickhouse retired from Lamar University in 1995 as executive director for Public Affairs. Before Lamar, he was executive director of the Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau where he established the first Visitor Information Center and Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum.
After retirement, Brickhouse directed Conn’s Appliance employees to participate in Beaumont Independent School District’s School/Business Partnership reading program and was honored as Outstanding School Volunteer at Lucas Elementary School. He was president and board member of many organizations including: American Red Cross (honored as “Hurricane Earl” for outstanding service), Babe Didrikson Zaharias Foundation, Beaumont Association of Mental Health, Beaumont Community Players, Beaumont Public Schools Foundation, Jefferson County Historical Commission, Jefferson Theatre Preservation Society, Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” program, Spindletop Optimist Club, and Tyrrell Historical Library Association. Brickhouse was also a proud lector at St. Anne Catholic Church where he attended Mass daily.
Brickhouse is survived by his sons, Ronald J. and Jeffrey Len Theis, and James Earl Brickhouse, Jr.
He is preceded in death by his wife of forty-four years, Jean, of whom he said, “My life really began when I met her.” J. Earl is also preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mabel Brickhouse; sisters, Carol Brickhouse and Stella Russell; and brother, Robert Brickhouse.
A gathering of Brickhouse’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with his Christian Vigil at 6:00 p.m., Friday, January 2, 2015, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 3, 2015, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2715 Calder, Beaumont, with his interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Red Cross, Beaumont Chapter at: http://www.redcross.org/tx/beaumont, 3260 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, TX 77703 or to Lewy Body Demetia Association at: http://www.lbda.org/; 912 Killian Hill Road SW, Suite 202C, Atlanta, GA 30047.
