James Harvey Washington

James Harvey Washington, 85, passed into eternal life Tuesday, January 2, 2018. He was born to the Rev. Harvey Washington and Jewel Washington in Rankin, Texas in 1932. Like many preachers’ families they lived in multiple central and south Texas towns as James was growing up, meaning he was often the “new kid on the block” and learned how to make new friends from all social spheres. He graduated from high school in Nixon, Texas as class valedictorian.

Inspired by an excellent high school teacher, James attended the University of Texas at Austin and majored in chemistry, completing a bachelor’s degree and a year of graduate study. He met Kay Anderson there, and began a 60 year adventure of married life with her in 1954.

After serving two years in the U.S. Army, James moved with Kay to Pasadena, Texas in 1957, and put down deep roots, raising a daughter and two sons. He worked for Olin Corporation in their quality control lab, earning accolades from his supervisor as “one of the most capable chemists in the fertilizer industry.” In his leisure time he enjoyed tennis and woodworking, creating and donating wooden toys that brought joy to countless children in his community.

James was a devoted and involved husband, father, and grandfather, helping his children with their homework, attending countless school musical performances, supporting his son’s Boy Scout troop as merit badge counselor, and regaling his grandchildren with stories and jokes meant to entertain and instruct. He was a faithful member of his church, serving in nearly every lay position in church governance, teaching Sunday school, and singing in the choir. He felt a special calling for visitation as a vehicle for both congregational care and outreach,

James was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Kay, his sister Michie Potter, and his son Lyle Washington. He is survived by his sister Judy Bonham of McAllen, his daughter Sherryl Walsh and her husband Drew of San Antonio, and by son Glenn Washington and wife Tonia of Friendswood. He is survived by grandchildren Ian Walsh and wife Alicia Mielke Walsh of Lewisville, Erin Walsh of Houston, Mackenzie Walsh of Ankeny, Iowa, and by Logan, Nicholas, and Kirsten Washington of Friendswood.

A memorial service will be held in San Antonio on Friday, January 12, 2018 at 1:00pm at St. Matthews United Methodist Church, 2738 MacArthur View, 78217. A visitation will be held at 9:00 am on Saturday, January 13, 2018 at Grand View Funeral Home, 8501 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, Texas with a Chapel Service to begin at 10:00 am and Interment to follow at Grand View Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial donations be made to Agape Ministries, 127 Lanark, 78218, or a charity of choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com.