James "Jimmy" Norman Velvin's Obituary
James Norman Velvin, a lifelong resident of Longview, Texas, went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at the age of 81. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, May 24, 2014, at Rader Funeral Home in Longview with visitation at 9:00 A.M and services at 10:00 A.M. Dr. James “Butch” Tanner of Oakland Heights Baptist Church and Bro. Earl “Buddy” Duggins of Forest Home Baptist Church will officiate the services.
Jimmy Velvin was born August 7, 1932, to J.P. and Margaret Velvin. He was a 1949 graduate of Longview High School and attended Texas A&M University, where he played basketball for his beloved Aggies. After serving in the US Navy, he returned home to work in the family moving business. Jimmy was a long-time Scoutmaster with seventeen Eagle Scouts, one of the originators of the Wood Badge Course of the East Texas Area Council, and a recipient of the coveted Silver Beaver Award.
Anyone who spent time with Jimmy would know how much he loved the Lord. He was a deacon at Oakland Heights Baptist Church, taught in the youth department when his children were young, and was the assistant teacher in his much loved Explorers Class.
Jimmy and his wife, Jimmie Wrenn Roland Velvin, spent many years traveling all over the world together. Because of his love of woodworking, he collected wood carvings from each country he visited. He never met a stranger and always made a friend on every flight and cruise.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jimmie; his sister, Dale Clark, Ft Worth, TX; his son and daughter-in-law, Roland and Amy Velvin, Lockhart, TX; his daughter and son-in-law, Marsha and Joel Kerby, Overton, TX; his son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Sheila Velvin, Longview, TX. Also, Jim loved his “pride and joy” grandchildren: Julie Velvin Cantu, Jeffrey Velvin, James Velvin, Whitney Kerby Coats, Jace Kerby, Marilynn Velvin, and John Robert Velvin. He was especially proud of his great-grandchildren: Joshua Velvin, Jacob Cantu, Audrey Coats, and Cal Coats. He is survived by many family and friends.
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