Helen Jo Owens James' Obituary
Helen Jo Owens James was born in Port Arthur Texas October 2, 1925. She died Saturday February 25, 2017 in Longview Texas. Helen lived a full and giving life, which centered around: “never wasting a sunrise or sunset, and expecting the possibilities of God. She was preceded in death by her mother and father Roy and Anna Owens, and the love of her life, Joseph L. James, Jr.
Helen Jo James was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, and received her BS from the University of Texas at Austin where she met Joe. She was a active, community connected resident of Port Arthur until she moved two years ago to Longview. She loved her home church in Port Arthur, The United Methodist Temple, where she served as the Financial Secretary for a number of years. She also worked at Sabine Propeller and Supply where she learned about computers, and eventually taught some computer classes at Lamar University, Port Arthur before there were computers in the classroom.
Helen loved Port Arthur where she was a member of The Trivium Club, PEO, volunteered at the Board of Missions, numerous church committees, PTA, and several bridge clubs. In Longview, Helen plunged into volunteering at Heartisans, and the church where she most recently played the piano for a Sunday School class and a weekly communion service. She loved to cook, make friends, play the piano by moonlight, and help others.
Helen is survived by her three sons and daughters in law, Richard and Cathy James of Hughes Springs, TX, Daniel and Mary James or Lexington KY, and Roy and Merryl James of Longview, TX. She is also survived by seven granddaughters: Julia, Robin, Ashley, Courtney, Bailey, Katie, and Rebekah; six great-grandchildren: Kaden, Brooke, Cash, Piper, Lily, Alice; a number of cousins and a host of friends.
Services will be held Saturday March 4, 2017 2:30 pm at First United Methodist Church of Longview. In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials be given to First United Methodist Church of Longview Texas: 400 N. Fredonia, Longview Texas 75601; or The United Methodist Temple of Port Arthur Texas: 4101 Hwy 73 Port Arthur, TX 77642.
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