James Daniel (JD) Quarles

James Daniel (JD) Quarles passed away peacefully on October 10, 2021 in Orange Texas at 81 years of age after a long illness.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Friday, October 15, 2021, at Old First Orange Baptist Church. Officiating will be Pastor Keith Meyer. Burial will be at Harris Cemetery in Orange under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday, October 14, 2021, at Old First Orange Baptist Church.

Born in Beaumont Texas on March 24th 1940, he was the youngest of seven children and first of the family to be born at a hospital instead of at home. He was the son of Euell Edward Quarles and Sammie Harris Quarles of Nederland. He graduated from Nederland High School in 1958 and was on the state championship football team. He got his undergraduate degree in education from Lamar University and Master’s from Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches. He met the love of his life Ann in the 9th grade and they were married in February 1960. They celebrated their 61st anniversary in February of this year.

He was preceded in death by his wife Anna Patricia Wistner Quarles in May of this year. His infant daughter Donna K. Quarles, parents Euell Edward and Sammie Harris Quarles. His brothers Euell Edward Jr., Bobby, Jack and Bill Quarles.

He is survived by his sisters Opal Beard and Tessie Alvarez. His son Dane Quarles and wife Jamie, his son Stephen Quarles and wife Ashley. His grandsons Jordan Quarles and wife Amber, Jake Quarles and Harrison Gauthier. His granddaughters Heather Quarles and fiancé Shane Earnest, Lauren Quarles Garcia and husband Fernando and Charley Gauthier.

Serving as pallbearers will be Stephen Quarles, Dane Quarles, Jordan Quarles, Jake Quarles, Harrison Gauthier, Mark Gunstream, and Dr. Ron Risinger.

He started his education career teaching 7th grade Science at West Orange Jr. High School. He moved to Assistant Principal shortly thereafter. He moved to Orangefield ISD in 1976 where he would work until his retirement. First as Principal of McLewis Elementary and then as Orangefield's Elementary Principal. He was Bobcat through and through and proud of it.

Dad had a gift with kids. He was that Uncle who would swing from a tree like a Monkey to make his nieces and nephews laugh, the Principal who would put on Yo Yo exhibitions for the Elementary kids and read the Cajun Night Before Christmas over the intercom at school. He would be at all his son’s Athletic events including practices and would encourage them as well as their teammates. He was always encouraging kids no matter who they were, even complete strangers he would meet. After he retired he volunteered at Shangri La where he would let lizards bite his ear lobes and ask the kids in the school groups that would come through if they liked his earrings or act like the lizard wasn’t there to get a reaction from the kids.

Dad had 3 hobbies in life, Deer Hunting, Deer Hunting and Deer Hunting. Oh, he absolutely loved to fish as well but that was just to fill time until Deer Season. There are lots of fond memories of time spent at the deer lease with him. If you ever had the privilege of hunting with him you’ll know exactly what we are talking about.

Dad's biggest joy came from his Grandchildren who called him "Paw". He could always put a smile on their face and go to great lengths to make their time at Paw and Honey's house special. His favorite thing was to bring them camping. When the grandkids were very young Paw would bait the hook, cast the line, set the hook and hand the reel to them so they could reel the fish in. Dad taught us a lot in life. One thing he modeled for us was to not look down on others who were not as fortunate as you and to always help those in need. He did that by example. He was a special person and we will miss him dearly.

The family would like to express their gratefulness to Dr. Mike, Cristi, Kari, Amanda and the rest of the staff at Southeast Texas Hospice for their loving care of Dad these past 2 years along with John Toney and staff at Stonewood Senior Living where he spent his last days. May God bless all of you.