Connie Sue James was born on November 25, 1952 and departed from her loving family on August 16, 2021.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be 10:00 a.m., September 4, 2021 at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, TX. Officiating will be Loyd Thurman, pastor of Community Church.

She lived her whole life here in southeast Texas where she met the love of her life, Bobby James. They married soon after and have shared 47 wonderful years together. Through all of life’s ups and downs one thing was constant…their love for one another. As long time members of Community Church, they hosted prayer group in their home for many years. She loved children and enjoyed working with the missionettes at church for years. Connie loved telling stories from their younger years…like when they’d go squirrel hunting. After shooting her first one, she cradled that squirrel, crying her eyes out saying “I didn’t mean to kill it” Or her favorite memory of water wars. They’d get a water hose from outside and spray each other IN the house!

Bob & Connie knew they couldn’t have children of their own so they began their legacy of love and adopted Bret. A few years later, they adopted Eric and their family was complete. Connie was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured Eric and Bret more than words could say. Raising her boys with love and devotion truly was her proudest accomplishment. Connie especially loved her role as Grandma and cherished Briana beyond measure. She spoiled that grandbaby every chance she got!

She loved all things nature, but birds were her biggest interest. For a long time she was known as ‘The bird lady of Orange.’ School field trips would come to the aviary in their garage and she would educate everyone about her birds. Connie also enjoyed dinner and movie dates with her honey, she loved playing Crazy 8’s with family, shopping till she dropped, decorating & redecorating her home, occasional casino trips and was learning to crochet.
She had a vivacious personality and always made people around her laugh. Whether it was her attempt to sing a song or just another silly thing she said or did. For example, during a family dinner years ago a waiter asked Connie what she wanted to drink. Her response was “Wait, What?!? I’m sorry I didn’t hear you, I only have one contact in” Causing the waiter to turn & walk away in laughter! Then there was the infamous lunch at Cracker Barrel when she somehow didn’t notice she was putting grape jelly on a cold lemon wedge and not her warm cornbread muffin! Even funnier…was how long it took her to chew that lemon wedge before she realized her mistake! We all have so many good, silly memories with her. Even if it was at her expense, she loved to laugh & was always a good sport about it. There was never a dull moment with her. Perhaps that’s what we will remember most about Connie.
She will be greatly missed and is survived by her beloved husband, Bobby. Children: Bret James, Eric James and his wife, Ann Marie. Granddaughter, Briana James. Her life-long best friends who were like sisters to her; Valerie Keneson of San Antonio, TX and Kathy Bacon of Ferndale, MI. Many other family members near and far, along with dear friends from church. All whom loved her greatly and will never forget the light she brought into our lives.
Until we meet again…