James Lee Boone

James Lee Boone was born on 10 June 1924 in Cuero, Texas, to Johnny Hugh Boone and Carolina Brandt Boone passed away on Friday, April 9, 2021 . He was one of seven children, four boys, and three girls.

Following his high school years, James enlisted in the US Navy during World War II and served in the West Pacific theater on a landing craft. He was a Boatswain's Mate. His service included saving the lives of his commander and other servicemen during battle. He was charged with disobeying orders, but charges were dropped due to his heroic efforts. He arrived at Pearl Harbor immediately after the 7 December 1941 bombing. He was assigned to his unit with his brother Louis, but they were separated after all the Sullivan boys were killed together in battle. James was at one time a regular at his unit's annual reunions.

James is survived by his three daughters, Jeanne, Wanda, and Terry, as well as step-children Joe Bunn, Gene Bunn, Jimmy Bunn, Casey Bunn, Carole Barton, Dorothy Holman, and Ann Stegall. As well, he is survived by grandchildren Danette Lovelady (Aaron), Isaiah Tadlock (Melissa) and Angie Thomas (Donny), Jamison Collins. Also great-grandchildren Nate and Benjamin Lovelady, Evelyn and Addison Tadlock; and Tori, Bentley and Wesley Thomas.

He is also survived by 29 step-grandchildren, 47 step-great-grandchildren, and seven step-great-great grandchildren. Further, he is survived by sisters Sophie and Dorothy, and sister-in-law Shirley, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother; by his first wife Jeannie Smithey Boone and second wife Cora Bunn Boone; brothers Louis, Harvey and Floyd, and his sister Ellen, in addition to his step-son Mike.

A graveside service and interment will be held at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 in the Hopewell Cemetery on FM 49 just outside Gilmer, Bro. Wayne Norvell officiating.