James William Dees

James William Dees was born at home in Snow Hill Arkansas on December 12, 1930. He was the third child of James Julian and Arizona Lee Mitchell Dees. His father was an oilfield worker and they lived in the oilfields in the area around Smackover Arkansas.

James graduated from Smackover High School in 1947. He then enrolled in Henderson State Teachers College at the age of 16. During his junior year he met the love of his life, Nancy Irine Miles. They were married on June 24, 1951. He graduated from Henderson in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. Upon graduation he received a commission in the United States Army. James spent two years in the Army with assignments to Ft. Benning GA, Camp Roberts CA, and Achafenburg Germany.

After leaving the Army he went to Houston TX and started working for Continental Supply Company as a warehouseman. He advanced through sales to management in numerous locations (Houston, Victoria, New Orleans, Morgan City, Houma, Lafayette, New Orleans again and then back to Houston) and retired at Houston in 1992 after 39 years.

After retirement James became active in numerous volunteer endeavors including being elected to three terms as a Shepherd City Councilman, serving on the board of Crime Stoppers in San Jacinto County, Habitat for Humanity, Shepherd Chamber of Commerce and the Shepherd Economic Development Corporation. He was chosen for the community builder award by the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas at Shepherd. In addition he served on numerous committees at Shepherd United Methodist Church including being the chairman of Church Council, Pastor Parish, Finance, Trustees and President of Methodist Men.

James is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Alvania Gregory and Muriel Murph, his brother Dale Dees and his granddaughters Brittany and Brianne Dees. He is survived by his wife of 71 years Nancy Dees, his son Jim Dees, his daughter Tricia Williamson, his daughter in law Kim Dees, his son in law Paul Williamson, his grandsons Mark, Ben (wife Brittney) and David Williamson, his granddaughter Caitlin Dees, his great grandson Levi Williamson and great granddaughter Claire Williamson.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donating to Texas Talking Books.

Make checks out to: Texas State Library Memo: Talking Book Program

Mail the check to:

Texas Talking Book

P.O. Box 12516

Austin, TX 78711