James Whitney Abshire, 81, of Orange, passed away on December 16, 2022, peacefully at home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday December 22, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Orange. Officiating will be Father Antony Paulose. Entombment will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 9:00 a.m., with a Rosary at 10:15 a.m., at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Orange, Texas, on June 16,1941, he was the son of Whitney Abshire and Lillian Moore Abshire. James proudly served his country in the United States Army and went on to become a painter and sandblaster for many years after. James enjoyed going fishing, watching western movies, and was an avid fan of WWE wrestling. He loved operating heavy machinery and playing the Texas Lottery. James was a devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and will be deeply missed.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. W. Rutledge and nurse Paula; Harbor Home Care and nurses Heather and Lena; SETX Hospice Care, Dr. Michael Amsden and nurses Robin, Cristi, and Amanda.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Whitney and Lillian Abshire.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sandra Abshire; sons, James W. Abshire, Jr. and wife Virginia of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Timothy D. Abshire and wife Sandy of Newalla, Oklahoma; sisters, Betty Davis and husband Johnny of Orange, Nora “Jean” Abshire of Orange, and Mary Banaszak and husband Norby of Harrison, Arkansas; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and loving family and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Chris Slaughter, Rory Slaughter, Josh Gallien, Timothy Davis, Carl Davis, and Rodney Davis. Honorary pallbearers are Johnny Davis and Ronnie Slaughter.

In memory of James the family requests that donations be made to Southeast Texas Hospice or St. Mary Catholic School.