James

Everett Willoughby “Bill” James, 82, of La Grange, passed away peacefully on Friday Nov. 22, 2019.

Bill was born in Vernon on Aug. 14, 1937, the son of Everett Henderson and Vina Benson (Butz) James.

Bill graduated college from North Texas State University in Denton. He served in the U.S. Army honorably from July 21, 1960 to July 13, 1962 as a Chaplain’s Assistant.

He started his career as a stamp and coin specialist at Meekus Publishing Company in Houston. Later he transferred to their location in Cincinnati, Ohio. He returned to Houston in 1974 to work as an assistant at a stamp and coin store. Bill retired in the early 90’s and moved to La Grange to help care for his parents, and working part-time as a substitute teacher.

In Bill’s free time he enjoyed watching comedies, collecting stamps and coins, and reading history documentaries. He also enjoy spending time outdoors, often times Bill would be seen walking around the La Grange community.

He is survived by his daughter, Tonya Baer and husband, Bob of Wynnewood, Pa.; sister, Judy James of Sherman Oaks, Calif.; two grandchildren; one cousin, Anne Alexander-Smith of Dallas, formerly of Smithville; along with her children.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation was held on Friday, Nov. 29, 2019 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the La Grange City Cemetery Gazebo. After the visitation, graveside services were held at the La Grange City Cemetery Gazebo in La Grange at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29, 2019.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.

Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at

www.lagrangefunerals.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange.