James "Ponder" Sessums

James Ponder Sessums, Sr., 88, of Austin, Texas passed away in his sleep on Monday, December 7, 2015. He was born on June 18, 1927 in Mexia, Texas to Ernest Alexander Sessums and Mary Elizabeth Ponder Sessums.

He was a graduate of Southern Methodist University and a Veteran of the U.S. Army. After retiring early from Lubrizol Corp in Pasadena, Texas, he and his wife, Dorothy moved to Austin. While retired, they enjoyed taking their RV to Colorado and Branson, Missouri, and visiting their kids and grandkids.

Ponder was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Thomas Sessums; sister, Betty Jane Arnold; his first wife, Frances Sessums; and grandson, Jim Sessums. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Sessums; son, Ponder Sessums, Jr.; daughter Priscilla Tate and husband, Paul; daughters, Beverly Sue Kimble-Reinert and husband, Paul and Linda Beth Faulk and husband, David; son, Joe Kimble and wife, Amy; brother, Ernest Sessums; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, other family members, a host of friends, and his beloved Shadow.

The family will receive friends from 2:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M., Friday, December 11, 2015 at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home with a Celebration of Ponder’s Life to follow at 3:30 P.M. in the Chapel, with Rev. Matthew Werner officiating. Interment will be at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park.