James Franklin Statham Sr.

James Franklin Statham, a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away at the age of 98. Jim was born to parents James F. Statham and Myrtle Gregory Powell Statham on November 13th, 1925. 

At age 18, Jim was drafted by selective service into the U.S. Army, and started Boot Camp at Camp Blanding in Florida. While on leave in August 1944, Jim married the love of his life, Florean Houston. After being married, Jim was sent to England and held until age 19 in which he was stationed for active duty in Belgium. In Belgium, Jim served as a sergeant in the Battle of the Bulge, and was a squad leader over a heavy mortar crew of 8 men. He was also chosen to serve as honor guard in Berlin for General Eisenhower. After his service in the U.S. Army, Jim moved to Lubbock to work with his brother. It was in Lubbock that he found work at a bus company, which led him to pursue a degree in Diesel Mechanic at Texas Tech University. After graduation, Jim moved to Houston in 1950, working for the Missouri Pacific Railroad as a Diesel Mechanic. Subsequent to his time at Missouri-Pacific Railroad, he worked for the Halliburton Company for 12 years. Although Jim was a skilled Diesel Mechanic, in the mid 1960’s, he made a shift in his career from diesel mechanics towards HVAC industries. He worked for many years as an HVAC mechanic, and finally retired in 1990.

Retirement did not slow Jim down one bit, as he continued to serve his community in other meaningful ways. Following retirement, Jim joined the nonprofit program MAPS ministry. Through this program, he traveled throughout the U.S. and used his skills as an HVAC mechanic to install and repair heating and air conditioning systems at churches in need. Jim was a dedicated member of the Assembly of God church, and was known for his strong faith in The Lord. In his free time, he enjoyed camping and traveling the country with Florean, as well as metal detecting. Jim will be missed by all that knew and loved him. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Florean Statham; parents, James F. Statham and Myrtle Gregory Powell Statham; daughters, Aunita Kay Godkin, Shawnna Godkin. 

Jim is survived by his sons, Frank Statham and wife Dianne, Mark Statham and wife Veronica; sons-in-law, Gene Godkin, Leland Godkin; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

A visitation for Jim will be held at the Pace-Stancil Chapel in Cleveland, Texas on Monday, September 16th from 9 am - 10 am. The funeral service will immediately follow at 10 am. Burial will be held after the service at Pace-Stancil Memorial Rest Gardens in Cleveland, Texas.