Ernest William James, 87 of Fannett, Texas went to be with the Lord, Thursday, October 30, 2014.  He was born on July 21, 1927 to Percival “Percy” Alphieus James and Mamie Maude Holst in Beaumont, Texas. He was a lifelong resident of the Beaumont area.  Ernie was a beloved Husband, Dad, and PawPaw, an avid gardener, master machinist, community activist, and lawn specialist (ants and crawfish feared his yard).

Ernie attended South Park High School and joined the Merchant Marines at the age of 17.  He served aboard  the “Samuel S. Moody” in 1945, in the North Pacific during World War II.  While in the service he met  Dorothy “Dottie” Ann Carpol in Los Angeles, California.
When the war was over he returned and married his sweetheart on December 5, 1947. They were married 66 years.  

Survivors include sister Gladys Dawson and husband Bill of Beaumont, TX; son, Bobby James and his wife, Suzy; and daughter, Donna Heironimus and her husband, Steve; all from Fannett,TX; grandchildren, Dyann Carney of Fannett,TX; Amy Storer and her husband, Tony of Montgomery, TX; Melissa Story and her husband, Mike of Mauriceville, TX; Brent Heironimus of Houston,TX; Cody Heironimus and his wife, Amanda of Fannett,TX; Todd James of Fannett,TX; and Rachel Burke and her husband Dan of Sour Lake, TX; and great-grandchildren, Julie James, Lucas and Caleb Head, Isabella Burke, and Nancy Langham.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dottie; daughter, Nancy; parents; and two sisters.

A celebration of life for Mr. James will be at 3:00 p.m., Monday, November 3, 2014 at Grace Community Baptist Church, 22044 Burrell Wingate Road, Fannett, TX under the direction of Coleman Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to The Hamshire Fannett Athletic Booster Club, P.O. Box 1629, Beaumont, Texas 77704 or to The Church of Christ Bible Chair, 1018 E. Virginia Street, Beaumont, Texas 77705.