James Russell Gracey

James Russell Gracey, 80, of Gonzales, Texas, formerly of Houston, Texas, was born Mar. 18, 1940, and passed away Jan. 8, 2021.

He is preceded in death by his parents James Arthur and Pauline Gracey of Houston, Texas, and his brother-in-law Robert Braley of Katy, Texas.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Lois Meitzen Gracey, who were married Aug. 29, 1981. She is the love of his life whom he fondly referred to as “Precious.” His sister, Linda Braley of Katy, Texas; son, Jason Russell Gracey and wife Ruth; daughter, Natalie Gracey Cashdollar, and husband Reid; grandchildren, Autumn Kirk, Erin Kelly, Justice Gracey, Trinity Rose Gracey, Jacquelyn Cashdollar, Julianne Cashdollar, Cheyenne Cashdollar, Russell Cashdollar; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

James was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Gonzales, Texas. He seldom missed the men’s first Saturday breakfast, and he was known for cleaning up after the event.

He graduated from Steven F. Austin High School in Houston, Texas and attended Sam Houston State University before he was drafted into the United States Army in 1964. He proudly served the United States during his deployment in Vietnam as part of the 101st Airborne; he earned metals for his service and bravery, which include expert rifle, National Service Metal, National Defense Service metal, Vietnam Service Metal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge and Parachutist Badge.

James was employed as an outside salesman for Rex Supply Corporation in Houston for 41years until his retirement in 2007.

He and his wife enjoyed many years sailing their trimaran sailboat out of Seabrook Shipyard on Galveston Bay. In 1997 they purchased the Bar W Ranch in Gonzales county, Texas where they resided and raised cattle. He also enjoyed motorcycling trips with several old friends until recently.

Pallbearers will be Reid and Russell Cashdollar, Jason and Justice Gracey, Anthony and Brandon Braley.

Graveside services will be held at the Orchard Cemetery, off highway 36 near Wallis, Texas, on Thursday Jan. 14 at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider contributing in his name to the First Baptist Church of Gonzales - New Parsonage Fund, 422 St. Paul Street, Gonzales, TX 78629,  or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 841125, Dallas, TX 75284-1125.

Condolence messages may be written for the Gracey family at www.garmanycarden.com.

Funeral Services are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 Fourth Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 (281)342-4671.