James A. Tolbert

James Allen Tolbert, age 63, lost his struggle with cancer on October 29, 2011. He was surrounded by family and friends. He was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and friend. He was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Allen and Cecelia Tolbert. He graduated from Assumption High School in 1966. James served in the USMC from 1969 to 1975 and served in Viet Nam . James was employed by AT&T from 1968 to 1985 and transferred to Houston in 1978. He left AT&T to start his business, Signaltron, Inc. which he ran successfully until 2004 when he retired. James’ hobbies and passions were gardening, motorcycling and playing his piano. He became a Master Gardener in 2006. In the last few months of his life he gave away many of his favorite plants to family and friends. You could often find him watering his plants or tinkering in his garden. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle with his brother and friends. They rode through most of TX and the western U. S. Later in life James began playing the piano. Although not as accomplished as he would have liked, he made great strides in his ability. James was a die-hard news junkie. Every morning he surfed a dozen newspapers for his favorite political commentary. James will be greatly missed by all.

He is survived by Brenda Tolbert, his loving wife of 29 years, his son Stephen Tolbert and wife Julie, his step-daughter Shealyn Buist and husband Ashley and their daughter Kiersa and his best friend Mirna Vera. He is also survived by his siblings Daniel Tolbert (Bernadette), Donna Marion (Daniel) and Glenn Tolbert (Mary) and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 6 – 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4th, at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway. The memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Sat., Nov. 5th, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church located at 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail.

The family appreciates the great care and compassion provided by his doctors and nurses. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in his honor to M. D. Anderson, P. O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210 or the charity of your choice.