James Henry Bozeman

James was born March 31, 1926 in Kountze, Texas to James and Eula Jordan. He grew up in Kountze, Sour Lake and Lumberton. He was a member of Journey Community Church in Lumberton. James enlisted in the Navy when he was 17 years old, was a WWII Veteran serving as a radio operator in the Pacific on the USS “Turkey” After leaving the service he used his GI Bill to attend Chenier Business School where he met his future wife.

“Boze” was employed at Mobil Chemical where he retired in 1983; only to really go to work as a Christmas tree grower. He and Lanelle planted over 12,000 Christmas trees and soon created Bozeman Family Christmas tree farm in Lumberton which they operated for 20 years, retiring only because of health issues.

The Bozeman’s loved to travel, having visited all 50 states taking along with them their daughters, son-in-laws and grandchildren all that could fit in the travel trailer and tents.

Boze had a great sense of humor and many of his antics are told and re-told. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He devoted his life to love and support of family.

James is preceded in death by parents and brother, Eddie Hall. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Lanelle Smallwood Bozeman; daughters, Bonnie Simmons and husband Brent of Sugarland; Beckie Kelley and husband Jay of Lumberton; Beverly Hebert and husband Martin of Beaumont; 9 grandchildren; Dana Yancey, Dusty Kelley, Chase Williams, Jesse Kelley, Devon Deckard, Lane Simmons, Spencer Simmons, Jess Hebert, Josey Hebert; 7 great-grandchildren; sisters, Ellen Jordan of Lake City, Colorado, Pat Vickery, Mary Anderson of Kountze, Francis Smith of Little Cypress and numerous nieces and nephews and special niece Joyce Ann Cowart.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Friday, April 20, 2012, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., at Forest Lawn Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2012, at 11 a.m., at Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Pallbearers include grandson’s; Dusty Kelley, Jesse Kelley, Chase Williams, Lane Simmons, Jesse Yancey, Fritz Deckard with Spencer Simmons as honorary pallbearer.

In Lieu of flowers donations greatly appreciated to Journey Community Church, 1534 Hwy 96 South, Lumberton, Texas 77657.