James Grady Harvey Sr.

James Grady Harvey, 78, of Angleton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday August 22, 2018 at Cypress Woods Care Center in Angleton, after a three - year struggle to recover from a stroke. James was born on November 3, 1939 in Lufkin, Texas, the only son of Grady and Pearl Harvey. In 1942, his family moved to Freeport, Texas, where his dad helped to build the Dow Chemical Plant. James briefly attended Velasco Elementary School before the Harveys settled in Angleton in 1947. James was an outstanding athlete during his years at Angleton High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, track, and, especially, baseball. Known for his affable personality and sense of humor, James was voted the "Wittiest" of the celebrated Class of 1958. Following his high school graduation, James coached Little League Baseball in Alvin, where one of his players was the future Hall-of-Famer Nolan Ryan. With real prospects of becoming a professional baseball player, James briefly attended Alvin Junior College, where he served as freshman class president in 1959. There he met Wanda LaVerne Beard of Alvin; and, after a whirlwind courtship, they were married in 1960. They eventually had two children: Katherine Jo in 1961, and James Jr. in 1963. In January 1961, however, James joined the US Army. He served three years on active duty as a construction draftsman in Companies C and D, 46th Engineer Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas and at Fort Polk, Louisiana. During his time in the Army, he continued to play baseball, and rose to the rank of SP4. His decorations included the Good Conduct Medal, Sharpshooter (Carbine and Rifle), and a Letter of Appreciation. He served on active duty until January 1964, and continued in the reserves until 1967. James was honorably discharged from the Army on December 31, 1966. He later confided that, during his third week in boot camp, he had received an invitation from the Houston Colt 45's to report to training camp to try out for the team that later became the Houston Astros. As he was in the Army, he was unable to realize his lifelong dream of becoming a professional baseball player. Following his military service, James received another invitation to try out for the Cincinnati Reds baseball organization, but he turned it down in order to concentrate on supporting his family. He became an operator at the Monsanto-Chocolate Bayou chemical plant. Later he worked as a salesman for Team, Inc., and finally, as welding inspector for a number of inspection companies. James retired from the chemical industry in 2001. During his working years, he continued to enjoy sports, especially softball, bowling, and golf. After his retirement, he concentrated on amateur photography and woodworking. He also enjoyed watching TV, especially sports, westerns, and classic movies. At one time he had a collection of over 1000 movies on VHS. Above all, James loved his family and friends. He was especially generous in his later years, and enjoyed showering his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his friends with unexpected gifts whenever he could. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. James was preceded in death by his parents, Pearl and Grady Harvey, his wife Wanda Beard Harvey, and his sister Dianne Harvey Gajewsky. He is survived by his daughter Kathy McAlexander of Angleton; son James Grady Harvey Jr. and wife Leandra of Angleton; sister Joan Harvey of Seattle, Washington; brother-in-law Tony Gajewsky of Angleton; Aunt and Uncle Dorsey and Habie Walker of Holly Lake Ranch; grandson Derek Harvey of Austin; granddaughter Tabitha McAlexander of Angleton; granddaughter Sarah Closs and husband Thomas of Lake Jackson; and great-grandchildren Skyler, Alyssa, Nicholas, Christian, Kelby, Jase, and Jacoby; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Special thanks to the staff at Cypress Woods Care Center for caring for James in his final years, and to the staff at AMED Hospice for caring for him in his final hours. Thanks also to the staff of UTMB and the staff at Palms Funeral Home for their services in his time of need. A memorial service in his honor will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday August 25, 2018 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 509 Stratton Ridge Road in Clute, with Pastor Rodney Coates officiating. A graveside service will be held at Brown Cemetery in Huntington, Texas at a later date. Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of James Grady Harvey Sr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. Service Information Saturday, August 25th, 2018 2:00pm