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Clarence E. “Jesse” James, 88, of San Antonio, Texas went home on February 10th, after a full life of service to his Lord, country, and community. He was born in Forest City, NC to Clarence and Lola Rhoden James, and grew up as a cotton-pickin’ son of a sharecropper. He “exaggerated” his age to enlist in the Army near the end of WWII, and served his country in the military during the end of WWII, the Korean War, and the beginning of the Vietnam War… first in the Army (before there was an Air Force), and then in the Air Force until his retirement in June 1966. He had a colorful career in the military, including tours of duty as an MP (Military Police), expert marksman and marksmanship instructor, drill sergeant at Lackland AFB, Judo student and then a black belt Judo Instructor at the Kodokan Institute in Japan, and a Disc Jockey on Armed Forces Radio, where he was “Jumpin’ Jesse James, The Twistin’ Texan”. After retiring from the Air Force, he had several jobs working for Gary Aircraft, Riley Mobile Homes, the San Antonio Water Board, and the San Antonio Housing Authority. As “Coach James”, he molded youth football and baseball players in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. His teams had many championship seasons, city championships, Bowl Game victories, and a State Championship Finalist in 1978; but more importantly, he was a Christian role model, father figure, and positive influence for hundreds of kids. In addition to coaching, he was the President of Southeast PONY Baseball and a Pop Warner Football Regional Board Member. Due to his obvious love and concern for children, County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson appointed him to the Bexar County Child Welfare Board, where he served several years, as long as his health would allow. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kate Rojean Talbot James; sons David James (Jeanie), Gary Boubel, Forrest James (Erika); daughter Marie Boubel Bergh, 3 grandchildren, 1 great grandson, and extended family members and friends. Visitation is Friday, February 17th, 5:00 – 8:00pm, and the Funeral is Saturday, February 18th at 1:00pm at Mission Park South, 1700 S.E. Military Drive. A funeral procession will follow for an Interment with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Faith Baptist Church (1208 South W.W. White Rd, San Antonio TX 78220, www.faith2you.com), where Jesse James served as a Deacon and the Song Leader for every pastor he church has had, making joyful noise unto the Lord for over 45 years.

Tributes

Clarence E. James

February 6, 1929 - February 10, 2017