Curtis Eldredge James, 74, died Monday, November 26th, following his battle with lung cancer.
Curtis was born on November 17, 1944, in Grapeland, TX, to Tom Eldredge and Cammie Elizabeth James in Grapeland, TX.
During High School, Curtis served in the Civil Air Patrol from 1961-1963. He would exemplify his love and concern for people when he risked his own life to save others during a rescue mission in 1961 during Hurricane Carla. Following his graduation from Smiley High School, Curtis worked odd jobs until he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1965. While in the Coast Guard, Curtis served as an Electrician’s Mate. He would continue to serve in the Coast Guard Reserves for over 20 years. While in the Coast Guard, Curtis served in Operation Desert Storm and was honorably discharged as a First Class Petty Officer in 1997 with full military retirement. While serving in the Coast Guard Reserves, Curtis worked as a Pipefitter, and later as a Supervisor for the City of Fort Worth Water Department. He was also a member of The Masonic Lodge #392 in Granbury, TX.
Curtis met the love of his life, Shirley, in 1963, and they were later married on June 2, 1967. Curtis was a loving husband who always commemorated special occasions with roses for wife. He will be remembered as a caring and kind man who loved people and animals alike. Curtis was content to spend a portion of each day feeding the animals and critters who “visited” his home.
Curtis is survived by his wife of 51 years, Shirley James (nee Reinhardt); his children, Lisa Renee Iqbal of Granbury and Curtis Riley (Liesl) of Fort Worth; his grandchildren Justin, Miriam, Olivia and Ellison and his great-grandchild Charlie-Ann; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Tom and Cammie James, and his sister Kealy Patricia.
Visitation: Thursday, November 29, 2018 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Walker & Walker 323 W. Chestnut St. Grapeland, TX
Service: Friday, November 30, 2018 1:00 PM The Cowboy Church 12328 US Highway 287 N Grapeland, TX
Interment: Davis Cemetery Grapeland, TX
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