James Marcellus Houston Jr.

James Marcellus Houston Jr. passed away on February 28th, peacefully, content, and at home, with a slight smile on his face, after shaving for the day, ordering his breakfast and making a few phone calls, while he waited to enjoy his meal. He always said he had no regrets and had lived a charmed and blessed life.

Here’s what he started writing for his own obituary, “This morning , our beloved patriarch, father,
grandfather, great grandfather, dear friend and God-fearing soul, closed his eyes and ascended into The Beautiful Place to rejoin his loved ones and friends. We celebrate the infinite love and compassion he shared throughout his life. He is now with his love and companion of his life for 55 years, Deana, whose compassion and boundless love raised two wonderful sons and an extended family of foster children
whom we cherish to this day. He was fortunate to live during the “golden years” of America, with a loving and supportive Mom, Fannie Mae Houston, and Dad, James M. Houston, and thanks the good Lord
for all the blessings he bestowed upon him along the way, the friendships, the work colleagues, and the loving extended family growing over the years that he calls his own.”

Apparently, Dad was a bit “full of himself”, and deservedly so. I never heard him utter a mean word about anyone in his extended circle of friends and family. Politics was another matter altogether and Dad always enjoyed a lively political debate, ( as long as he was right!). A couple of parting Dad’isms for you. 1. Always do the right thing, and it’s easier if you avoid the situation in the first place. 2. When the going get’s tough, take a deep breath, lean forward, and take the first step. 3. Do a little bit extra on whatever you’re working on – it shows your character.

Per Dad’s request, some of the dear members of his extended family may receive a personal call from my son Jimmy, some small gifts, all will get this personal note - thanking them for being an important part
of his life. What he did not want was a big serious ceremony requiring travel and expense. Dad said his intentions were to say, “I love you, thank you, and goodbye, don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. “Pay the
love and any gifts you may gotten from me and Mom forward someday to another deserving soul that you find is in need of some Love. Do it in my honor, as a tribute to me, thanks.”