James “Jim” Wesley Houston, 86, of Memphis, died Sunday, January 19, 2025 as Sunset Senior Living in Quincy.
He was born the son of Olvin Paul Houston and Merita (Mitchell) Houston on January 28, 1938 in Winfield, MO
He married the former Beverly Lou Snyder in 1964. She preceded him in death in March 8, 2002. God blessed Jim and Beverly with three children; Kendall, Paul and Brad.
Jim accepted Christ as his savior and joined the New Salem Baptist Church, Winfield, Mo at an early age. Bible study and church attendance was always important to Jim. When his health was failing, he did not always feel like getting out of the house and doing the things he had always enjoyed. However, there were two places he would manage to go; to Lacey’s on Saturday morning for biscuits and gravy and to church on Sunday morning. He faithfully attended the men’s Bible study at church until he no longer felt comfortable driving at night.
Some of the many interests he enjoyed was hunting, fishing, traveling, photography, and reading. His face would light up when he talked about his grandchildren or when one of them called him “Grandpa”.
After graduating from Winfield High School, Winfield, Mo, He enrolled in Hannibal-LaGrange College (now Hannibal-LaGrange university in Hannibal, Mo.
After graduating, he worked for five years at the Atomic Energy plant in New Mexico. It was during this time that he met and married “Bev”, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He retired after 30 years of military service. During the Vietnam war, he served on the USS Ranger and the USS Hornet. After retiring from the Navy, he worked for the Missouri Park District for 18 years.
Jim moved to Memphis in 2002, where he has made his home until his death. He has attended the First Baptist Church as long as his health permitted. Attending Sunday School and worship service was the highlight of his week.
Jim was a kind and thoughtful man, who will always be missed.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years; his parents; his sister, Laura Jane and her husband John; a brother-in-law John Snider.
Survivors include: his children: Kendall (Mike) House, Paul Houston and Brad (Debbie) Houston; his grandchildren, Charles House III
“Tre”, Tori House and London Houston; one sister-law, Virginia Snider; two nieces; Sherry & Cathy; one nephew, Jeff; and close friends: Arleta Dye, Wayne and Nadine Palmer and family, and the family of Nancy Davis.
4 comments
Jim was a good friend. He was a dedicated and patient man. He & Arleta and our family have spent many a good evening at the Catfish Place visiting and enjoying good food. He enjoyed sharing the things he learned at Bible study.
Our sympathy to Jim’s friends and family.
We will miss Jim. He’ was a friendly gentleman who loved to visit. He and arleta loved to visit and watch people. He will be missed.
Arleta, so sorry for your loss! Jim was a wonderful man. Praying for your family and his!
Due to the fact we were unable to obtain Jim’s Military discharge papers before his obituary was printed, even those of us closest to him did not know Jim had received a National Defense Service medal, Vietnam service medal with three bronze stars among other honors during his time in the Navy. Jim loved to tell stories, but never mentioned these important honors. Thank you for your service to our country, Jim!
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