James "Pop" Joshua Cherry

James "Pop" Joshua Cherry

James Joshua “Pop” Cherry went to be with the Lord on Sunday morning, the 12th of February, 2012, surrounded by his loving family.

Josh was born on September 23, 1931, in Panola County, Texas.His family moved to Beaumont, Texas when he was 14 years old.

He graduated from Beaumont High School in 1950.On May 16, 1952, Josh married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Willie Mae “Billie” McDermott. This May they were to celebrate 60 wonderful years of marriage. Now, he is getting familiar with their mansion in Heaven.

Shortly after marrying Billie, Josh proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in October, 1954, at which time he returned to work for Gulf Oil Company. In February, 1955, Josh joined McDermott Machine Shop in Winnie, Texas, as a machinist apprentice. He went on to eventually operate the shop alongside Billie until he retired in 1995.

On January 23, 1966, Josh and Billie’s prayers were answered with the birth of their son, Chip.Josh revered his role as first father and then friend. The father and son bond was evidenced by Josh’s serving as Chip’s best man. Josh welcomed his daughter-in-law, Sandi, into his family as his own daughter. After retiring, Josh focused his energy on his three grandsons, JT, Zach, and Christian.Nothing made him more proud, especially when he was watching them play ball.

Josh was a life-long Christian, serving as an example to us all.He served in many leadership roles at North End Baptist Church, including the role of a Deacon for almost thirty years. Josh actively participated with the Church’s youth as they held a special place in his heart.

Josh is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Willie Mae “Billie” McDermott Cherry; his son, James Joshua (Chip) Cherry, his daughter-in-law, Sandi Cherry; three grandsons, Joshua Tyler Cherry, Zachary Ross Cherry, and James Christian Cherry, all of Houston; his sisters, Joy McBride of Beaumont, Zelma Sargent of Colorado and Novalene Hargett of Arlington; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Josh is preceded in death by his parents James Claude and Vera Cherry; and brother, J.C. Cherry of Houston.

A gathering of his family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 14, 2012, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 15, 2012, at North End Baptist Church, 5115 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Josh to North End Baptist Church Youth Ministry, 5115 Eastex Freeway, Beaumont, Texas 77706.