Allen Henderson James

Allen Henderson James, age 76, passed away peacefully at his home in Blue Ridge, Georgia to go rest in the arms of our Lord on Sunday, January 28, 2018 following a breif period with lung cancer. Mr. James, better known as "Al" or "Tex" by his friends, was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on September 27, 1941 to the late Jesse L. James & the late Lela R. James. Al graduated Class of 1959 from Tuloso-Midway High School, in Corpus Christi. After graduation, he began a career of iron-work/welding. While on a roadtrip with his nephew to Atlanta, he met Ruth Ann Ray, from Mineral Bluff, Georgia. The two soon married and shared over 55 years together. The couple lived in both Georgia & Texas for years before settling in Blue Ridge in the early 1970's, where they would spend the rest of their days loving each other & their family.
At 6'6", Al was a big, hard-working man with a heart of gold and the patience of Job. He provided for his family as a welder most of his life and enjoyed his work, not to mention the good friends he'd make wherever he was employed. Al was the original "do it yourself" kind of man, especially at home and he usually did it well. He was employed many years as a boilermaker at Tennessee Chemical in Copperhill, TN until the lay-offs came for so many. He later worked at Hill Parts in Ball Ground, GA, as a welder, but due to decreasing eyesight, he retired sooner than he would have liked and became the full-time caregiver for his wife's failing health. He used to enjoy fishing, but spent most of his "spare time" tinkering in his garage, doing auto paint & body work or just spending time with family. He enjoyed helping others, playing the guitar, watching football or westerns, watching his grand-daughter run high school track, and eating the foods he liked. Although he didn't attend church, Allen was baptized as a child and throughout life he remained a strong believer in Jesus Christ's promise of everlasting life which He offers to us all.
Preceded in death by his loving wife, Ruth Ann Ray James; brothers – Mont (Betty) James of Victoria, TX; Jim (Johnnie) James of Mission, TX; Bill (Lorena) James; "Jug" (Sue) Jesse James, Jr., both of Corpus Christi, TX; sisters – Effie Ruth (Charles) Price of Corpus Christi, TX; Patsy Sue (John Henry) Strickland of Robstown, TX. In-law parents Wes & Eva Ray of Mineral Bluff, GA; brother-in-laws C.B. (Dimple) Ray of Morganton, GA; Hugh Ray of Mineral Bluff, GA; sister-in-laws - Helen Jones and Betty Jo (Paul) Couey both of Mineral Bluff, GA.
Allen leaves behind one daughter, Rhonda James (Richard) Glazier of Blairsville, GA; one granddaughter, Laura Franklin (Nathan) Stuart of McCaysville, GA; one great-grandson, River Stuart; one sister-in-law, Becky Ray (Sammy) Patterson of Morganton, GA. He also leaves behind many nephews, nieces and beloved friends.
Also, dear to his heart were his step-grandkids & their children... Eric & Abby Glazier with their two sons, Benjamin and William of Easley, SC. (He called the boys "Big Ben & Little Will".); Chad & Nicole Glazier of Memphis, TN.
Memorial services will be held on Sunday, February 4, 2018 at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home in McCaysville, Georgia. The family will receive friends Sunday, February 4, 2018 from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm at the Finch Cochran Funeral Home. Al's grandson, Nathan Stuart will officiate and his son-in-law, Richard Glazier will give the eulogy. Music will be provided by a sweet family friend, Christina Bryant. Family members or friends are welcome to share thoughts or memories during his memorial service.
Arrangements entrusted to the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, Georgia. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.