Jim Debes Jr., a life long resident of Beaumont, died on Sunday June 22, 2008, at the age of 82.
He was born December 8, 1925, to The Reverend Gabriel and Alma Debes. After graduating from Beaumont High School, he served in the Army and was a decorated veteran of the Pacific Campaign. Upon returning to the States he attended SMU where he received his BBA. The Masons presented him his sixty year pin in 2007. He was a faithful member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. For the last forty-five years he worked as a General Contractor and was doing so until the time of his death.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Margaret Husbands, Lillie Belle Buchanan, Edna Mamo and Rhoda Carter. He is survived by his wife, Billie Debes; son, Jim Debes III and wife Sharon of Beaumont; daughter, Pam Cheek and husband Joe of Orange; and three grandsons, Brian Debes of Beaumont, Nicholas Cheek and Christopher Cheek of Orange. He is also survived by sisters, Helen Richmond of Beaumont and Alice Arledge of Hot Springs, Arkansas; and many other nieces and nephews.
He was an avid fisherman and loved to take others to the Gulf. His love of music ranged from opera to jazz. His German shepherd, King was a source of unending joy.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2008, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church with burial to follow at Magnolia Cemetery under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A gathering of family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at the mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mark’s Church 680 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77702.
