James W. Sanders, Sr.

Funeral services for James W. Sanders, Sr., 83, of Lufkin will be held Friday, August 1, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Cary Modisett officiating. Interment will follow in the Whitehouse Cemetery. James Wesley Sanders was born September 15, 1930 in Angelina County, Texas, the sixth child of the late Hiram Bell Sanders, Sr. and Mellie Jane (Modisett) Sanders. He died Tuesday, July 29, 2014. At Central High School he was an athlete, playing both basketball and baseball. His senior year, he served as president of his class and editor of the school yearbook. After graduation, he began what would be a 44 year career with the Southern Pacific Railroad, later becoming a train dispatcher and finally the agent in Lufkin, Texas. After retiring from Southern Pacific, he began a successful career in real estate. Jim married Bobbye Wilkins July 6, 1949. In a world in which there are many adults who, as they say, “aren’t ready for children”, he was a father of three at 23, and he was a father to Sherry, Jim and Tony every day of their lives. Papa, Pop, and Daddy were names for stability, security, and safety. Jim Sanders was a public man who always contributed to the larger community. He was a member of Lufkin’s Community Theater, Kiwanas, and the Lions Club. He coached Farm, Little League, Pony, and Colt Leagues for his sons. He was a founding member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, where he served as treasurer and sang in the choir. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Sharon Lynn and Edward MacDonald of Highland Village; son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Jana Sanders of Heath, Texas; grandchildren, Rachel Rando Renfro, Gian-Carlo Rando, Toni Lynn Sanders Light, Jessica Sanders, Natalie Sanders, Joshua Sanders, and Kristen Sanders; great-grandchildren, Aidan Wesley Timofte, Harrison Light, Harper Light, Harlow Light, and Isabella Rebecca Renfro; sisters, Louise Burrous of Lufkin, Lois Fenley, Jewel Kirkland and Gaynell Thompson, all of Pollok; brother and sister-in-law, Jake and Shirlene Sanders of Tupelo, Mississippi; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceding Mr. Sanders in death were his parents; wife, Bobbye Sanders; son, Jim Sanders, Jr.; granddaughters, Rebecca Miriam Rando and Sharon Anastasia Rando; and brothers, Don Sanders, Sr. and Carl Sanders, Sr. Pallbearers will be Josh Sanders, Gian-Carlo Rando, Ken McPherson, Steve Sanders, Kenny Nerren and Don Sanders. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, East Texas Regional Office, 304 N. Raguet Street, Suite C, Lufkin, Texas 75904. The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home. Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com. Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.