James Eston Dudley

He passed away on September 21, 2017 in Whitehouse.

Eston was born beside a cotton field on June 3, 1926 in Bullard to the late William Patrick and Rachel Kathryn Dudley.

He graduated from Whitehouse High School and afterwards served in World War II with the 25th Infantry Division in The Philippines and Japan. He was honorably discharged in November 1946 as a Platoon Sergeant. After the war on December 17, 1949 he married the love of his life, Mary Lou Dickson. James then went on to college on his GI Bill and received degrees from Tyler Junior College, Sam Houston State University and later received his Masters degree from Stephen F. Austin University. Over a 30 year career in teaching with Tyler Independent School District. First as a Manager of School Farm, second a counselor at Camp Tyler known to campers as Big Jim, third he taught in the classrooms of Bonner school, fourth a director of Camp Tyler from 1964-1978, fifth a Principal of Clarkston School, and sixth he finished his teaching career as Principal at Rose Garden Academy.

In retirement he enjoyed farming and reading. He was a member of the Tyler Kiwanis, Mental Health Board and Child Welfare Board.

He is survived by his sons David D. Dudley of Jacksonville and J. Matthew Dudley (Teresa) of Whitehouse; daughter Doris Kay Dudley of Whitehouse; grandson Cameron Chase Dudley (Nicole) of Whitehouse; great granddaughters Chloe Dudley and Addilynn Dudley. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Mary Lou; brothers Claude Dudley, Billy Ray Dudley, and Norman Elwood Dudley; sister Janice Kathryn Harraid; daughter-in-law Dixie Dudley.

The family will receive friends from 5-7PM Sunday, September 24, 2017 at Lloyd James Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County, 211 Winchester Dr, Tyler, Texas 75701or Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, Texas 75701.