James "Jim" Edward Bough II

On Friday evening, October 18, 2024, James Edward Bough, II went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jim was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, May 29th, 1931, the middle child of three, and the only son of English and German/Irish immigrants, Herbert Edward Bough and Emmy Maher Bough. As a child, he discovered the outdoors and made friendships through the Boy Scouts, baseball, and church activities. Growing up, he was a bit mischievous, instigating many pranks with his lifelong friend Albert, a.k.a. Skeet, Elko. After graduating from Collingdale High School, he went to work at The Home Insurance Company as a multi-graph operator in Philadelphia. He enjoyed the work but felt the urge to explore the world. At age 19, during his lunch break while sitting on a picnic bench and staring at the famous Liberty Bell, Jim made a decision that would change his life. He decided to join the US Air Force during the Korean War where Jim served out his term performing critical communications work in Tampa, Florida due to his typing skills. Jim made a point to state that typing was quite a skill in those days, typing in triplicate without Liquid Paper, correction tape, or a “delete” button. 

Following his service, he took advantage of the GI Bill since his family did not have the money for his college. He decided upon LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, because it offered one of the only degree plans in lithography/graphic arts. While a student, he began a 50+ year friendship with his two roommates: Leroy Cast and Richard Maughlin. The three of them spent a lot of time together whether it be flying planes or waterskiing behind Jim’s boat. As the story goes, Leroy and Richard had dates and wanted to borrow Jim’s car for their date. Jim refused; however, he cleverly stated they could all go out that evening if his buddies would get him a date. Thus became the fateful night that Jim and Betty Ann met on a blind date and were married two years later after Jim graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Lithography in 1957. Jim secured a job in Houston, so the newlyweds embarked to the Bayou City and never left. After 20+ years of working for others, including Vice President at Fidelity Printing, he pursued his ultimate entrepreneurial dream and began a new printing company, Superb Litho, Inc. After many ups and downs in the industry, Jim retired from the craft in 1998.

In 1966, following a family vacation to Betty’s Uncle Bill’s lakehouse in Georgia, Jim was reminded of all the college fun he had with his boat on the lakes of East Texas and got the itch to have his own lake place. As a result, in 1967, Jim and Betty purchased a lot in Lakeview Estates as one of the founding members of the new community formed before Lake Livingston was completed, thus beginning their dual life of Houston-Coldspring. Jim was fulfilling a lifelong dream of owning a lake house with the convenience to fish and waterski on a whim. This love of water sports he instilled in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The lake house truly became a multi-generational gathering place. Jim and Betty made dear friends in Coldspring, many through their membership at Coldspring Methodist Church. Jim was also a long-standing member of the Longview Masonic Lodge, #404, since 1956, and received a lifetime award marking 65+ years.

In retirement, Jim got to live life as he saw fit. He and Betty traveled the world exploring the Continental US plus Alaska, Europe, Israel, and a memorable mission trip to Kenya. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved the Philadelphia Eagles and then the Houston Oilers, Astros, Rockets along with the University of Houston sports. To Jim, life wasn’t worth living without strong black coffee, Bluebell ice cream, and Mallon’s sticky buns.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife Betty Ann Bough, his parents, and his sister Marge Bough Weigant. He is survived by his sister: Mary Ellen Bough Briscoe; daughter Linda Ann Bough White, granddaughters Malinda (Joseph) Ennis with great-granddaughters: Avery, Emily, and Olivia; Lauren (Matthew) Powell with great-grandchildren: Éolyn and Aldaron, daughter Gloria Ellen Bough Hogue (M. Cody), grandchildren Alexandra Dumas and Joseph Dumas, and son James Elliott Bough (Sheri), grandchildren triplets: Macey, Mallory, and Mathias.

A memorial service will be held, Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 1pm, Coldspring Methodist Church in Coldspring, Texas with the family receiving visitation preceding the service beginning at noon in the church’s Fellowship Hall. The family appreciates the love and support that has been bestowed upon them. If so inclined, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to one of the following or a charity of your choice: 

Coldspring Methodist Church, https://coldspringgmc.com/ or Brookwood Community, https://www.brookwoodcommunity.org/ 

All arrangements handled under the trusted care of Pace-Stancil Funeral Home.