James Thompson Pledger, Jr., 88, of Orange, died Thursday, March 11, 2021, at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 15, 2021, at First United Methodist Church in Orange, with Reverend Lani Rousseau officiating.
Born in El Campo, Texas, on December 1, 1932, Jim was the son of James Thompson Pledger, Sr. and Lillie Oblegonner Pledger. Jim graduated summa cum laude from the University of Texas, Chemical Engineering Class of 1956. After graduating, he proudly served in the United States Navy. Jim retired from DuPont Sabine River Works after 37 years, and he enjoyed working for the company immensely during their “golden years”. He served as a deacon of First Baptist Church in Orange for 50 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed the outdoors, often going hunting and fishing. Jim loved living in Orange and he especially loved the people of Orange.
Jim is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Joanne Pledger; beloved sister, Jean Anne Sorensen of Edna; beloved sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jackie and Phillip Grooms of Orange; beloved nieces, Dyanne Kimmel and husband Ike of Houston, Debra Lea Grooms of Houston, Karen Hoskins and husband Brent of Weimer; beloved nephews, David Taylor Grooms and wife Melinda of Katy, Michael Sorensen and Russell Sorensen of Edna; most beloved great nieces, Katharine Kimmel and Anna Lea Kimmel of Houston, Rachel Grooms of Louisville, KY; and most beloved great nephews, Evan Phillip Grooms, Davis Taylor Grooms, and Ross Isaac Kimmel, all of Houston.
Honorary Pallbearers are Ebb Moore, Roy Orta, and Gordon Corbell.
He loved, and was loved in return.
Condolences
Don & Nancy Rice
March 14, 2021
Dear Jodie, Don & I wanted you and your family to know we are thinking of you. Our long friendship with you and Jim remains one of our dearest memories of Oranges. If we were physically able, we would be with you at Jim's service. With love Don & Nancy Rice.
Mimi Hollier
March 14, 2021
Jim was a devoted family man. He loved his wife passionately for over 6 decades, and family was all important to him. He was joyous, funny, happy. He loved life and it showed in every detail of his day-to-day actions. He will be sorely missed but he leaves a tremendous legacy to all who knew and loved him.
Karen Sorensen Hoskins
March 14, 2021
I remember coming to visit Uncle Jimmy and Aunt Joanne in Orange as a child, with my parents and grandparents. I remember mom telling stories about me and a certain, big, billy goat Jim had. She thought for sure he would knock me down, but he didn't. Jim and Joanne's yard was always beautiful with the flowers and tall pines. Rest in peace Uncle Jim.