T. Duane James

Funeral services for Thedward Duane James, 89, of Gilmer will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 4, 2013, at Croley Funeral Home Chapel in Gilmer with Bro. Charles Johnson officiating. Interment will be in Little Mound Cemetery in Upshur County. Duane passed away on Saturday, August 31, 2013 in Gilmer. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and by his family who loved him so dearly. He was born on June 27, 1924 to Nettie Lou (Bill) and Sherman James about 200 yards south of the Little Mound Baptist Church. He attended grade school at Union (Little Mound), Rosewood, and graduated from Harmony High School as Valedictorian of his class. He attended East Texas Teachers College which later became East Texas University and interrupted his college years to serve his country in the Army Air Corps in France and Germany during WWII. Before returning to college, he married Mary Nell Johnson of the Little Mound Community and they moved to Commerce where he received his B.S. Degree in 1950. Duane accepted Christ as his Savior in 1936 and joined the Little Mound Missionary Baptist Church. He was ordained as a Deacon in 1958 and served in that capacity until his death. He taught Sunday School Classes for over 50 years, led the choir for 40 years, and sang the Lead for Little Mound Quartet all the years that it existed. He also served on various boards and committees, including the Harmony School Board and Little Mound Cemetery Committee. He was employed by Lone Star Steel Company for 33 years, beginning as a draftsman and retiring as Land Manager. He is survived by his wife, Mary Nell; his son Ted and Wife Linda; son Richard and wife Lori, sister Georgia James Duke; nephew Randy Duke and wife Brenda and family; eight grandchildren and seven great- grand children. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Peggy Nell, and brothers-in-law Wayne Duke and Tommie Joe Johnson. He was a devoted Christian, a faithful husband, a loving father, and a cherished friend. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer.