James Roy Sowders, 67, of Waco, passed away suddenly on March 27, 2021.
SERVICE INFORMATION: A celebration of James’ life will be held at Lake Shore Funeral Home, 5201 Steinbeck Bend in Waco, on Thursday, April 1, 2021. Visitation will begin at 10am with the service to start at 11am. Burial will follow in Rosemound Cemetery.
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James was born on June 7, 1953 in Waco, TX. He and his wife raised their children in Bosqueville, TX. James was the proud owner of Waco Builder’s Hardware and also businesses in Temple and Conroe for many years. He loved being with his family and friends, watching sports, FOX News, reading scripture, and the outdoors. He also had a passion for chess, backgammon, music, and travel especially to the casinos and horse races. He never missed an opportunity to learn something new and share his knowledge with others. James was a jokester who was full of life. He had many tag lines that everyone knows well. He would light up a room with his smile and his genuine kindness touched many.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Sowders and Martha Ann Justice, as well as his grandparents.
James is survived by his wife and life-long companion, Loraine June Sowders; his daughter Carrie Ann Sowders Dieterich and spouse Terry Joe Dieterich; his son Timothy Herschel Williams and wife Laurie Michelle Williams; grandchildren Kamryn Paige Williams and Kendall Lee Williams, Joshua Folmar, Laurie Dunner, and Whitney Dieterich as well as many great grandchildren; sisters Vivian Martinez, Rayelene Gaskin, Debra Page, and Tanya Justice Jeffries; brothers Alvin “Buddy” Sowders, Tony Justice, and Troy Justice. He will be missed dearly by many other relatives and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or any nursing home/assisted living facility.
Place of Service: Lake Shore Funeral Home , 5201 Steinbeck Bend; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
May God give your family peace.
May God give you peace and comfort during this time.
Oh James I can’t believe you are gone from this earth! But you are in the arms of Jesus! And with your friend, Al once again! You will be so missed. My prayers, love, sympathy go out to LuLu,Tim & Laurie, Carrie Anne, & all your grandchildren & other family. Fly high James Roy!
Tim and Carrie,
So sorry for your loss. Praying for your family.
He will be missed. Prayers to his family Mike Breen and family
James was not only a high school classmate but was currently delivering medicine to our household and re-established an old friendship. Yes, he was a delight to be around. Always laughing. And he always encouraged our own medical situation with words of the Lord. Our deepest sympathy for your overwhelming loss. Hold tight to your faith,
Vern was a great guy! Always smiling.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
James left some nice footprints on my journey many years ago from University High School and Magic Music. It was an honor to have known him. Take comfort in the memories left behind. God bless!
Prayers and sympathy to the entire family. I remember all the great years of school with him. He was even my first bowling instructor at the age of 10 at the old bowling alley on Speight Ave.
Dear Sowders Family,
As Laurie’s “work family”, we wanted to send our prayers to all of you. There are no words for times like this, but we are praying for each of you day by day.
May God’s comfort carry you all hour by hour, and may you feel our prayers, love and support.
With Sincere Condolences,
The Bluebonnet Hospice Family
I miss you so very much my sweet daddy. It’s near unbearable. How do I ever fill your shoes! Your love for people was certainly one of a kind. With the utmost confidence I say, until we meet again.
Forever your baby girl~
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Cherish all of the wonderful memories you have with James and know that he is watching over you all.
Vicki and family, our hearts are saddened by this sudden news of your brothers passing. Our prayer is that your heart and soul will find comfort during this difficult time. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
Sad to see you go so soon! I know you are rejoicing with the Lord.
To the family left behind I am sorry for your loss. There no words to make this pain go away. I do pray you will celebrate his life with only the good memories.
Dear James Sowders Family,
So sorry to hear about your loss. But now James Roy is with our Lord.
John 11: 25-26
When I moved here from California in December of 1968 Sophomore year, James befriended this stranger, and course we became very close friends.
Even shared an apartment for awhile after High School.
Even married a 2nd cousin.
He could make anyone smile.
May the Peace of Lord be with you all.
Remembering the good times. Rest in peace.
James used to deliver medicine to my grandparents. My grandpa and him struck up a friendship and James would often make their house the last stop so they could visit. He was a great man with a heart of gold.
Today is the day, goodbye my friend! The world has lost a great person!
So sorry for your loss, James was quite a guy, have many memories of him, Tim and my son especially during Bosqueville football games.
My sincerest condolences. I knew James in the early 1980’s.. I will never forget the impact he made on my life. May he rest in peace!
“Mr. James” is what I called him!!! Being my neighbor he was my “look out” becauseI have a teenage son!!! I met Mr. James shortly after I moved into my apartment. We would often talk at night when I would get off of work because he would be on his porch watching his phone…After talking to him, I found out that him and my Uncle were classmates and we knew some of the same people. I saw him a few days because I hadn’t seen him in awhile and he said, “girl, I thought you had moved, I didn’t see you, your truck, and your deep freezer on the patio was gone…I was upset because you didn’t come and say goodbye”…Had I known that would have been the last of many conversations, I would have talked longer…Mr. James was very friendly and I loved to hear him laugh…I am going to miss him, RIH
We pray for the healing of the loss your family faces. James was a bright smile every time we saw him. He always made us feel like a friend. He was new to us bringing our meds and took a few minutes to chat when he could. He will be missed and remembered fir his kindness and his smile that touched his eyes. Rest in peace, our friend .