James Lewis George, Jr., 86, of Waco, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2008, at his residence. A Visitation Gathering will be held 6-to-8pm Thursday, July 3rd at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend (off Lake Shore Drive) Waco. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online Guest Book at www.LakeShoreFuneralHome.com.
James was born November 13, 1921 in DeLeon, TX to James Lewis George, Sr. and Madge Eurilla (Wozencraft) George. He was a true Texas native, who’s knowledge of our state’s history was profound. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) post 2412 at Sargent, TX., and was part of what we now refer to as the greatest generation. James’ working career spanned four and a half decades, and included being a radio disk-jockey, global energy explorer, and offshore geological surveyor. James retired from Texaco Exploration. Throughout his life, he spent as much time as he could with his family, especially with his many nieces and nephews, who always referred to him as "Unc". James was a devoted son, brother and uncle. As a life-time participant in our great country’s political process, he proudly served in many capacities with his beloved Republican Party. In each life endeavor James pursued, he did so with every bit of energy he could muster, while at the same time making it look effortless. He enjoyed history and spent much time studying the history of his Catholic faith. His infectious smile and laugh was with him always, and influenced all who were around him. He will be greatly missed! James was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his sister and brother-in-law, Louise and Buster Shiflet of Waco, his brother and sister-in-law Kenneth and Carol George of Waco, and his brother Richard George of Houston. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, great great nieces and nephews, and a host of friends at William Booth Garden Apartments. Please visit the Lake Shore Funeral Home website at (lakeshorefuneralhome.com) and sign the online guest book. In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to James’ favorite charities; The Salvation Army or McLennan County Republican Endowment Fund, 4201 Lake Shore Drive Waco, TX 76710.
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Jim and I shared his last trip to the Republican Party of Texas State Convention, in Houston, two weeks ago. He rode down in the car with my two toddler grandchildren, with me doing the driving.
He sang children's songs with Brooke and C.J. all the way to Houston and while they had their Kid Meal at McDonald's, Jim took a walk, "to limber up my legs" and then came back and engaged them in a most interesting conversation. All three of "my riders" to Houston,seemed to be having a GREAT time.
When we started back to Waco on Sunday, the 15th, Jim quickly asked, "where are the children?". Sadly, they had to remain at home with their parents and I told him, it was time for their older sister to come to Waco for a visit, to go to her classes at Baylor.
Jim had met and kept up with our Britni's progress in school and had met her on the times we had Republican lunches and she was in town. He never failed to ask her about school, how she was doing in school and generally encouraged her to continue and "get an education".
I have known Jim for the last 8 years. Our friendship began when he bought a Bush-Cheney hat for the 2000 electionm from me. I have seen him continue to wear that hat with great pride, over the years. He was always so proud of that hat and what it meant to him to have one of the hats and to me, for having made the hats for the incoming President's campaign.
I will miss our e-mail correspondence; our great hugs once a month at the lunches; his infectious grin and great outlook on life. Most of all I will miss his quotes of the Constitution, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and the other signers. Jim alwasy left each e-mail with a quote from some great American at the end of his e-mails to me.
On the trip back to Waco, he was so proud of my being elected an alternate delegate to the National Convention and said, "in four years, I just want to go and watch" and in his heart, I knew he would make his goal.
He never complained on the trip home. Yes, we were both tired and when I left him at his apartment, he thanked me for his "ride and my good driving" and told me, "I will see you Thursday at the luncheon". Sadly, he did not make the luncheon and I did not take the time to check and see if he was okay. Britni's schedule "got in the way". Not that he would have told me, if he was feeling poorly. He always told me, "I feel just fine".
Thank you for sharing your brother with us and I too will miss him and remember our wonderful adventure together on a four hour ride, to and from Houston, when we talked about family, what he had done in life and just politics in general.
Jim George, I loved you deeply and am honored to have been your friend and I will miss you the remaining days of my life.
Save a place for me at the table for our next lunch together.
Carolyn Payne Lomax
We are all very saddened that Jim passed away. Jim was a wonderful republican through and through. Jim's been a personal fiend to Sandie and me and he will truly be missed. Jim will be remembered as a good friend of ours and to the Republican Party.
I will dearly miss you Mr. George. You were such a sweet neighbor and a true gentleman! Our prayers go out to your family. -Ginny Jackoskie
Jim, one of the best and most faithfull Republicans that I have ever known. You never forgot to ask how Cathlene was nor how I was doing.
I am proud that you called me friend and that you were my friend for as long as I have ever known you.
I know that your in heaven and continue to watch over us while we trod the roads of live. Cathlene is there now also, as she passed on June 10, 2008. Tell her that I continue to love her as you now have the joy of visiting with her in person and I know she has her health back and of that, for both of you, I praise God.
Jim, you will not be forgotten.
Your friend, James DeZell
George we will all miss you
greatly but we know that you
have gone to a much better
place.
Thanks a million for all the
help you gave us here at the
apts. on our computers.
Rest now in Eternal Pease.
James, you were truly a great man. I enjoyed walking around the convention in Houston with you last month and seeing you at the Republican Luncheons every month. You and your family are in our prayers. You will be missed by all.
So sorry about the loss of Mr. George. He was such a sweet man,and always greeted you with a big smile. He will be missed dearly here at Booth Garden Apts. My thoughts and prayers are with each of the family during this difficult time.
Jim was always a help to me each month at the Republican Club. What a loyal REPUBLICAN and FRIEND.
Thanks to Louise and Buster,
Thanks to Kenneth and Carol,
for their devotion to James
and for their work.
Mr. George will be missed by many! He was so kind to all that he knew or who needed his help with something. He helped me once and I am forever gratefuil to him. He really loved helping others! I will truly miss him!