James Rayburn Wash

Funeral services for James Rayburn Wash, 95, of Lufkin will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Elwyn M. Gipson Memorial Chapel in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories Memorial Park.

Mr. Wash was born January 30, 1930 in Ewing, Texas to Roy Clark Wash and Ollie McGee Wash, and died Wednesday, January 7, 2026 in Lufkin, Texas.

As a child, he attended several schools in Rocky Hill, Huntington, Chester, and Lufkin. He graduated from Lufkin High School in 1947 and continued his education at Sam Houston State University. After graduating in 1951, he joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed in Tokyo, Japan during the Korean Conflict. After his military service, he began his professional career at Texas Foundries in Lufkin in the payroll and accounting department. While working there, James was instructed by the office custodian to take Patricia to the company Christmas party. Several parties later, they began dating and were eventually married on November 22, 1958. They welcomed their first child, Paul Anthony Wash, on November 13, 1959 and their second child, Randall Clay Wash, on August 6, 1963. In 1964, James began working at Temple Industries as an accountant for the plywood plant. James worked for Temple for 31 years, where he eventually retired as the director of employee benefits in 1995. After his retirement, James enjoyed his noon golf games at Lufkin Country Club, travelling with his family, and watching his grandkids, Jordan and Lindsey, play baseball and softball. James was a member of LifePoint Church (formerly Calvary Baptist Church) since 1968, where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School teacher, RA leader, and on numerous committees.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Patricia; son, Paul Wash and Karen Mode of Waco; son, Randall and wife Susan of Mason; grandson, Jordan of Mason; granddaughter, Lindsey and husband Joseph Vasquez of Belton; brother-in-law, Terry and wife Mary Thigpen of Cold Spring; sister-in-law, Nelda and husband Jack Briggs of LaPorte, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

James is preceded in death by his parents; his aunt, Jannie Maxey; cousins, Carl Edgar and James Ray Jones; and brothers-in-law and wives, Harvey Joe and Jimmie Thigpen, Alvis and Adell Thigpen, Don and Sylvia Thigpen, and Ron and Linda Thigpen.

Pallbearers are nephews, Rocky Thigpen, Ricky Thigpen, Shane Thigpen, and Jim Grant; grandsons, Jordan Wash and Joseph Vasquez; and friend Joe Kerr.

Honorary pallbearers are brothers-in-law, Jack Briggs and Terry Thigpen; and the deacons of LifePoint Church of Lufkin.

Memorial contributions may be made to LifePoint Church, 4737 Ted Trout Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday morning prior to the service.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.