Helen James

Helen Marguerite James, 94, was called home to the Lord on Wednesday, August 29th.
Helen was born on January 3, 1918 in Cleburne, Texas to Charles Roland Chadwell and Esther Emethia Crews Chadwell.

Helen graduated from High School in Caddo, Texas in 1936 and moved to Fort Worth to continue school then lived in Nashville, TN and Odessa, TX where she worked for Phillips Petroleum. She met her husband of sixty years, Tom James in Fort Worth. They were married In Fort Worth, Texas on October 3, 1948 and moved to back to Odessa in 1952.

Helen and Tom were founding members of Highland United Methodist Church where she served as President of UMW and taught 3rd grade Sunday School for many years.
Helen was a loving and generous mother and grandmother. She spent many years working at school activities, serving as den mother to her busy Cub Scouts, volunteering at school and hosting countless activities for her children. Her family is so grateful for her faithful life and the many ways she made the lives of people in our community better. She made sure her family was active as disciples of Jesus Christ. She taught by word and example how to constantly make time to love and care for people who are struggling with the challenges of life. The faith she lived and taught offers the sure and certain hope that Christs love and grace is sufficient in life, in death and in resurrection.
Helen is survived by sister Esther Kile of Issaquah, WA, sons Tom Paul James , Jr of Odessa and Reverend Stephen David James and wife Dr. Vivian James of Harrisburg, NC , daughter Phyllis Marshall and husband Steve of Odessa, sisterinlaw Joci McKinney and husband Roy of Plano, Texas, and three grandchildren: Amanda James Payne and husband Ben of Louisville, KY, Taylor James of Raleigh NC, Jared Marshall of Odessa and great granddaughter Penelope Payne.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Tom Paul James, parents, Roland and Esther Chadwell, brothers Roland, Dick and Bert Chadwell and by sister Ferne Bingham.

A graveside service will take place on Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 4:00 pm at Sunset Memorial Garden and a memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 2, 2012 at 2:00 pm at Highland United Methodist Church. Pastor Dot Lea and Rev. David Weyant will officiate at the services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Highland United Methodist Church, 1808 N. Dixie, Odessa, TX 79761.

Service

Graveside Services

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 East Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Saturday, September 1, 2012
4:00 PM

Memorial Service

Highland United Methodist Church
1808 N. Dixie
Odessa, TX  79761
Sunday, September 2, 2012
2:00 PM

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762

Memorial Contributions

1808 N. Dixie
Odessa, TX  79764