James Walter Goss Sr.

James “Jim” Walter Goss, died on June 3, 2015 at the age of 91. Jim was born in Farmerville, Louisiana to Walter F. Goss and Lovie Hollis Goss. After graduating from Louisiana State University, “LSU,” Jim moved to Dallas in pursuit of job opportunities and wanting to experience life in the Big City. In Dallas, he joined and spent his entire professional career with General American Oil Company, rising in the ranks to eventually become Executive Vice President. Shortly after moving to Dallas, Jim met and married the love of his life, his late wife Mertie Henry Goss.

Jim served faithfully and honorably in the United States Navy, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander in 1984 from the Naval Reserve.

He was an avid golfer, enjoying playing golf at Brook Hollow Golf Club and the Dallas Athletic Club. He was also a member of the Dallas Petroleum Club and the Dallas Wildcat Committee. Jim served on the board of numerous public and private organizations and was the President of the Dallas Association of Petroleum Landmen.

Jim was a long time member of the First United Methodist Church, downtown Dallas, where he and Mertie were married in 1952 by the Reverend Bob Goodrich and was an active member of the Aldersgate SS Class.

In addition to his mother and father, Jim was preceded in death by his wife Mertie Goss, daughter Kimberly Goss Anbouba, and his two sisters. He is survived by his son, James W. Goss Jr. of Farmerville, LA; grandchildren, Margaux C. Anbouba and James A. Anbouba; son-in-law Imad K. Anbouba all of Dallas, TX; and many nieces and nephews. Our family expresses sincere appreciation to Jim’s loyal caregiver, friend and angel, Gloria May and to Jim’s companion and special friend, Claudette Ewing.

Please in lieu of flowers, consideration of contributions in his memory to Aldersgate Scholarship Fund, First United Methodist Church,1928 Ross Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75201 is suggested.

Honorary Pallbearers are: Fred Hunt, Joe Shephard, Dr. Charles Simpson, Larry Flagg, Bob Brackbill and Bill Thompson.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at 2:00 pm at Sparkman Hillcrest Northwest Highway Chapel. Bishop John W. Hart will be officiating.