MY LOVE

Michael S. James, 46, of La Vernia, TX passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2015 in Del Rio, Texas. Michael married his high school sweetheart Michele (Ranney) and they recently celebrated their 26th Wedding Anniversary. Michael began his military career not long after graduating high school when he enlisted in the US Navy. He served his country proudly and was a veteran of the Gulf War. Upon his departure from the Navy, he continued to serve the military with a Civil Service career held at Randolph AFB for 19 years. He resigned from that position looking to follow his heart and become his own boss. Michael found himself doing what he loved, welding! It was several years into his self-employment when an opportunity to return to the civilian workforce beckoned at his door. He accepted a position with the United States International Boundaries and Water Commission in Del Rio on the Amistad Dam; a job that brought excitement to him each and every day and one that placed him directly on the waters he loved to fish in for years, and did so with many family and friends. It was at this time he was able to marvel at the scenic views and breathtaking beauty all while getting paid for it. Although it was only for a short time, he became right at home with his new Amistad team. Michael was raised with love and respect for the outdoors. He was an avid hunter with skills he learned from the many trips to the deer lease(s) with his daddy and Pawpaw. These same teachings were carried down to his own children whom also love nature and the outdoors. Michael was a man of his word. A man who loved his family and friends and one who would verbalize it every day! He was a loving, caring and compassionate husband, father, and son. He is survived by his wife Michele James; son Chase James; daughter Catrice James; father Ronnie James and wife Hilda; parents-in-law Marion and Barbara Ranney; brothers and sisters-in-law James and Nicole Ranney and Dwayne and Debbie Casey; grandmother Margaret Brown; and sister Valerie James, along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and a wealth of friends. He is preceded in death by his brother Brian James; mother, Jelania Brown-James; grandfathers, Albert “Cooter” Brown and T.P. Alcorta; grandparents Wallace and Nona James and Jim and Hazel Blair; and great grandparents Willie & Martha Barthold. A visitation will be held Tuesday, May 5, 2015 from 6pm to 9pm at Finch Funeral Chapel, La Vernia. A ‘Celebration of Life’ service will be held Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 9:30am at Finch Funeral Chapel, La Vernia with interment to follow at Kicaster Cemetery in Adkins, TX. A fellowship will follow at the La Vernia Chamber of Commerce. Memorial contributions can be made to the Medina County Hunter’s Club Scholarship Fund at 15590 FM 471 W., San Antonio, TX 78255, the American Diabetes Association or a charity of your choice.

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