Talmadge Dewayne James

Talmadge “Pappy” Dewayne James, 85, of West Orange, Texas, went to be with the Lord on May 8, 2026, in West Orange.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Brother Shane Haygood. Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Orange.

Visitation will begin prior to the service at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Pitkin, Louisiana, on March 6, 1941, he was the son of Carrie L. (James) Permenter. Talmadge dedicated many years of service as a Crew Foreman at ENTEX. He found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life, whether it was bird watching, casting a line while fishing, or meticulously crafting with woodworking projects. His green thumb was evident in his beautiful flower beds, and he took great pride in his photography. An avid fan, he passionately cheered for LSU. After his retirement, Talmadge and his beloved wife, Edna, embarked on many cherished adventures, traveling and camping together. He was a loving Pappy, deeply devoted to his children and grandchildren, finding immense joy in their presence. His warm spirit and loving presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Talmadge was preceded in death by his mother, Carrie Permenter; his beloved wife of 44 years, Edna Ruth James; his brother, Rene James; and his son-in-law, Jon Candelaria.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, survived by his daughters, Dana James and Melanie James; his step-children, Richard Boyd and wife Brenda, and Randy Boyd and wife Mary Ann. He was a cherished grandfather to Tabitha Haygood and husband Shane, RaDonna Noyola and husband Marcus, Adam Boyd and wife Lindsay, Alan Boyd and wife Cody, Arlis Boyd, Caitlin Talbert and husband Logan, Alec Boyd, and Mandolyn Wheeland. His great-grandchildren, Ayla Boyd-Frazier and husband Craig, Jared Boyd and wife Rachelle, Jolene Miller, Gavin Noyola, Anakin Noyola, and NaVaé Noyola, will miss him dearly, as will his great-great-grandchildren, Scarlett Boyd, Mazikeen Singletary, Grayson Frazier, and Oaklyn Frazier. Talmadge is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Alan Boyd, Alec Boyd, Randy Boyd, Adam Boyd, Marcus Noyola, and Gavin Noyola. Honorary pallbearers are Logan Talbert and Craig Frazier.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Talmadge’s niece and caregiver Tammy Reiher for her wonderful care.