James Millard Pearson, 78, of Beaumont died April 14, 2006 at Christus Hospital St. Elizabeth. He lived and he died; he made us laugh and he made us cry. His family was the most important thing to him.
James Millard was the seventh of eight siblings, and the last surviving child of Otis and Irene Pearson of Greenville, South Carolina. JM joined the United States Navy at age 17 in 1944 and served on the U.S.S. Albany during World War II.
He then enrolled at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he met the love of his life, Lillian Gray Pearson. Married on March 5, 1954, JM and Lil shared over fifty-two happy years together.
As a professor of economics at Lamar University from 1961 to 1994, he both informed and no doubt entertained many students through the years.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Lillian; his daughter, Robyn; his son, Gray and daughter-in-law Tammy; and six grandchildren.
JM loved to cook and make his own gadgets; he never missed a chance to tell a good story or make someone laugh. He was blessed with many friends and much happiness during his lifetime. We all shared in his triumphs, his challenges, his sorrows, and his joys. His sense of humor and his courageous spirit will always live with us in our hearts and our memories.
Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 18, 2006 at St. Stephen Episcopal Church under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 N Major Drive, Beaumont. A gathering of family and friends will be Monday evening, April 17, 2006 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lamar University School of Business, P O Box 1011, Beaumont, Texas 77710; All Saints Episcopal School, 4108 Delaware, Beaumont, Texas 77706; or Mamie McFaddin Ward Cancer Treatment Center, 2830 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77702.
