Murray Eugene James

Murray Eugene James was born on January 12, 1931 in Edgewood, TX to Fred and Ella Rhea James.

He passed away in Mineola, TX on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at the age of 91.

Gene graduated from Edgewood High School in 1949 and went to Henderson County Jr. College for a brief time before he enlisted in the Navy in April 1951. He was assigned as Store Keeper on the U.S.S. Heermann.

In August 1952, while his ship was in Charlestown, MA., Gene decided to go to the local roller skating rink and there he met, Yvonne. They were married in April 1955 after Gene was discharged and they settled in Mesquite, TX. Gene was a faithful member of the College and Locust Church of Christ in Mesquite.

Gene worked for Sears for over 40 years, first in the Hardware Dept. and then in the Furniture Dept.

During those years, two girls and two boys were born to the family. He retired in January 1991. To keep himself busy, Gene planted over 900 peach trees on the family land in Edgewood, TX. His two brothers, Larry and Billy, joined Gene after they retired. They soon developed a reputation for growing the best peaches. They also grew tomatoes, onions, and squash and always shared the fruits of their labor with friends, neighbors and local nursing homes. In 1994, Gene and Yvonne moved to Mineola, TX and built a house on Lake Brenda. Gene attended the Broad Street Church of Christ and then the Mineola Church of Christ. He was Treasurer during the extensive renovations of the church building. Yvonne helped with the bookkeeping.

Gene is survived by his wife of 67 years, Yvonne; a daughter, Donna Kelso and husband, John, a son, Michael James and his wife Clarissa, a son, Brian James and another daughter, Michele Hockaday and her husband Tim. There are 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Lung Association.