James Edward Read, 77, of Kountze passed away Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at his residence. James was born September 22, 1931 in Spurger, Texas to Emory Newton and Ethel Marie (Brown) Read and was a fifty year member of Masonic Lodge #642.
He is survived by his children, Lisa Read of Houston and son, Jim Read and his wife Susan of Kountze; sisters, Mary Selz of San Antonio, Evelyn Lockett of Aubrey, Wanda Hickman of Austin, Peggy Phillips of Beaumont, and Beth Coward of Houston; sisters-in law, Cherie Read of Warren and Alice Read of Houston; three of the best grandchildren in the world, Patrick Read of Dallas, Megan Kunk and her husband Jeremy of Kountze, and Madison Read of Kountze; special nephew, Jeffery Lange of Kountze, and a host of nieces and nephews. James and Jerrie had many friends and none were more special than Roy and Dianne Langston, Robert and Jerri Hunt, and Joe and Rita Peterson.
James was preceded in death by his loving wife of fifty five years, Jerrie Read; parents, E.N. “Pete” and Ethel Read of Hillister; and brothers, David Read of Houston and Ben Read of Warren.
Graveside service will be 10:00 A.M. Saturday, February 7, 2009 at Beech Creek Cemetery in Spurger under the direction of Broussard’s, 530 W. Monroe, Kountze. A gathering of family and friends will be Friday, February 6, 2009 from 6:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. at the mortuary.
As a major supporter of the Kountze Public Library, James’ wife Jerrie established a memorial fund in her name. In keeping with the family’s wishes, all memorial contributions may be made in James’ memory to Kountze Public Library, 800 S. Redwood Avenue, Kountze, Texas 77625.
