James worked on his grandfather’s ranch in Fields until he enlisted in the United States Army in January, 1961. During his tenure in the Army, he received numerous marksmanship badges for Expert (carbine), Sharpshooter (rifle), Marksman (pistol & missile). James attended Provost Marshal General’s School whereby upon completion in March, 1961, he became a K-9 Military Police Officer. It was during that time when he met his first love, a German Shepard named Tina Louise, who spent many years of faithful service at his side.
James received an honorable discharge from the Army in December, 1966 and relocated to Houston Tx. There, he attended The University of Houston, majoring in Business Management, and also attended classes at Dale Carnegie.
James eventually met and married the second love of his life, Alice Mae Springfield on July 28, 1968. James then began a lifelong career in the oil and gas industry, beginning with Taylor Forge Incorporation, where he worked as a machinist and foreman. He then went on to become Vice President of Production at WFI International, where he stayed for over 30 years until he retired.
It would become apparent that James could not cope with retirement, so he went to work for Welding Outlet Incorporated. He was the Director of Manufacturing for several years there until he permanently retired.
James was known for his passions in woodworking, guns, family, and his career. He also had a lifelong love for the music of Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley.
James was better known to many as Big James or Jimmy.
James is survived by his wife Alice Snyder, his daughter Kimberly Snyder, three stepsons, Charles, Mike, and James Batla, four grandchildren Charles Batla Jr., Tiara Gary, Jared Batla and Hayley Troncale, two
four-legged grandchildren, Zoe and Jei-li Snyder and Sister Mary Kathyran Holley, all from Houston,Texas, a half-brother Archie (Butch) Gillis of Fields, Louisiana, along with numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and his beloved four-legged chiweenie, Sara.
He is preceded in death by his parents Oscar Lonell Snider and Mary Margaret Franklin, sisters Helen Tynes of Deweyville, Texas, and Edna Clark of Missoula, Montana, along with the third love of his life, his English bulldog, Megan.
A visitation for James will be held Wednesday, August 10, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Calvary Hill Funeral Home, 21723 Aldine-Westfield Road, Humble. A funeral service will occur Thursday, August 11, 2022 from 12:00 PM to 12:45 PM, at the funeral home with a committal service to follow.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CalvaryHillFuneralHome.com for the Snyder family.
