James Arthur Key

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

Revelations 21:4

James Arthur Key “Jimmy” a resident of Houston, Texas was born on May 31, 1932 to the union of the late Pearl Johnson Key and Washington Key in Augusta, Georgia. He was a graduate of St. Joseph Catholic School in Norfolk, Virginia, class of 1952.

Jimmy was inducted into the United States Army in 1953 and was sent on a mission in Lenggries, Germany. He later transferred to the United States Army Reserves in December, 1954. During his service he has accomplished many accommodations.

In 1954, he received a certificate of completion in The Company Administrative Clerk Course at The Quarter Master School in Lenggries, Germany. In 1956, James received a certificate of completion in Projectionist Training at The Regional Film and Equipment Exchange School in Fort Knox, Kentucky. In 1957, he attended the Judge Advocate General Corps School as a Court Reporter in Charlottesville, Virginia.

In 1963, James completed 20 hours of Korean I Foreign Language and in 1964, he begin his first or three tours in Seoul, Korea. In 1968, he attended ADPS Programming Specialist and Data Processing School in Fort Meyers, Virginia where he finished in 1970. In 1972, he attended IBM school at White Sands in Missile Range, New Mexico. In 1976, he received a certificate of completion in Real Estate Principals and Practices at El Paso Community College in El Paso Texas. In 1977, James was honorable discharged from Active Duty at Fort Bliss, Texas. Following Jimmy's retirement he worked for El Paso Water Utilities for 2 years before relocating to Arlington Texas in 1979. In Arlington, Jim accepted a position as a Computer / Programmer Analyst with the General Service Administration. In 1991, he received a certificate of completion in Networking Personal Computers in Dallas, Texas. He work for GSA until his second retirement in 1997. Jimmy then worked for Costco and also as a substitute teacher for Arlington ISD until their move to Houston, Texas in 2003. He continued to work for Costco and again as a substitute teacher for Cy-Fair ISD until he decided to retire for the third and final time in 2012.

During his time he was involved in many social event and was a proud member of the Armed Forces Retirees of Arlington. He also enjoyed his time traveling to Norfolk, Virginia his home town, Atlanta Georgia, North /South Carolina, Detroit, Las Vegas, New Mexico, Louisiana, El Paso, and other Texas Cities. He always had a love for fine luxury automobiles, and also was all about helping family members. He had a heart of gold. His cooperative attitude, tact, and tireless efforts brought praise from military diplomatic personnel of foreign nations associated with the United States Command.

James was a caring husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of administrative abilities, legal advice and constantly sought after by personnel of other divisions. Above all SP-7 Key’s loyalty, diligence and devotion to duty was in keeping with the traditionally standards of the military service. May the life he lived speak for him.

He leaves to cherish his beautiful memories; a loving and devoted wife of 45 years, Johnnie Key of Houston, Texas, three daughters, Deborah A. Key of Norfolk, Virginia, Stacey J. Key of Atlanta, Georgia and Charmaine Woods-Bell of Houston, Texas; one son, Mederick Woods (Denise) of Houston, Texas; four grandchildren, Bretton Key of Norfolk, Virginia, Christopher Bell of Houston, Texas, Andrea Key of Atlanta, Georgia, and Samira Woods of Houston, Texas; three great grandchildren, Sanai Key, Daniel Key, and Alivia Key all of Norfolk, Virginia; five sister-in-laws, Marguary Johnson of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Helen (Joe) Mc Fadden of Hackensack, New Jersey, Doris Quiett, Ida (James) Matthews, and Yvonne Quiett all of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; two brother-in-laws, Morris (Adelle) Quiett and Nathaniel Quiett both of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Washington Key and Pearl Johnson, siblings Charles Key, Richard Johnson and Carolyn Daniel.

A visitation for James will be held Wednesday, January 12, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.

A celebration of life will occur Wednesday, January 12, 2022 from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.

A committal service will occur Wednesday, January 12, 2022 from 2:15 PM to 2:45 PM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/houston-tx/james-key-10503330 for the Key family.