Dr. James L. Massey, 87, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2008 in Beaumont. He was born June 24, 1921.
Massey, a veterinarian for fifty-seven years, was born in Cottondale, Florida to parents Gideon Hughes Massey and Rosabel Griffin Massey. He and his brothers Charles and Gideon Hughes moved to Beaumont in 1934 where he graduated from Beaumont High School in 1940. He had a distinguished service record in the Air Force during World War II, and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1950. After serving the Wildlife & Disease Management program of the State of Washington, he returned to Beaumont in 1954 to establish what was to be a 50 year long veterinary practice. He was an active civic leader, serving as the President of the Beaumont A&M Club, President of the West Beaumont Exchange Club, member of the City’s Airport Advisory Committee, and lifetime member of the Future Farmers America (FFA). He served as a Deacon at Calder Baptist Church.
Massey is survived by his wife of twenty-five years, Nelda Morrison Massey of Beaumont; children, Marsha and Jim Heap, and James and Susan Massey, all of College Station; and Cindy and Tom Livengood of Houston; grandchildren, Andrea Heap of Granbury; Rachel Heap of Houston; Katy Massey and Michael Massey of College Station; Michelle Livengood of Houston; Scott Livengood of Dallas; Mark and Bradley Livengood of Houston; brother, Charles Massey of Beaumont; sister, Mary Sue Massey Crothers of Phoenix.; sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Smith of Beaumont, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife of thirty-three years, Grace Anita Cameron Massey; brothers, Gideon Hughes Massey, Jr. and Guy Rupert Massey; sister, Dannye Massey Gehres; stepdaughter, Karen Morrison; and mother-in-law, Louise Gentry Cameron.
“Doc” loved people and their pets. He often said that dog’s sense character and intentions better than most people can. He loved being with his family and his grandpuppies, friends, and many acquaintances. Some said that he bled maroon for his beloved Texas Aggies and was easily one of the loudest voices in Kyle Field as he yelled for “old army’s” defense to hold them one more time. He held a private pilot’s license which allowed him to see and enjoy the countryside that he loved so much from a heavenly perspective.
His veterinary profession was a natural venue for his skills and his passion to help people and their animals. He enjoyed hunting, working in his yard and his many friends. The only thing that was warmer than the coffee at his clinic was the greeting that he gave you as a visitor. He was a good father, husband, grandfather, Aggie, public servant and Christian; he will be greatly missed.
Funeral service will be 2:00 pm, Saturday, December 6, 2008 at Calder Baptist Church, 1005 N 11th Street, Beaumont under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, with the Reverend James Fuller officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn in Beaumont. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 9:00 pm on Friday, December 5 at the Mortuary.
Pallbearers will be Jim Groom, Dr. Glen Guillet, Dr. W. Edward Collins, Dr. John I Davis, Pat Ratcliff, and Roger S. Meek. Honorary Pallbearers include Verneil Mesecher, Dr. James Barbee, Dr. John Terry Smith, Johnny Ezell, Dr. Joe Finley, and B. Murray Anderson.
Memorial contributions are requested to be made to Calder Baptist Church, 1005 N 11th Street, Beaumont, Texas 77702.
