James Vandell Cross

James Vandell Cross, 85, of Watkinsville, Georgia, died on July 1, 2024. The son of the late Luther Ray Cross and Essie Pearl (Perkins) Cross, he was born in Durant, Oklahoma, on March 28, 1939. The fourth of eight children, James grew up in rural Oklahoma, until he moved to Pampa, Texas, at age 18.

At age 20, while working in residential construction, he met Jane Hayes in Pampa, Texas. They married on January 1, 1960, and moved to Pasadena, Texas, in the late 1960s. After his retirement from Shell Oil, he and Jane moved to Goodrich, Texas, where they enjoyed their retirement until moving to Watkinsville, Georgia, in 2016, where they enjoyed time closer to their youngest grandchildren.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Luther Ray Cross and Essie Pearl (Perkins) Cross; his brothers, Jasper Cross, Tom Cross and Jim Cross; and his sister, Beth Rodgers.

James is survived by his wife, Jane Hayes Cross; his daughter, Anita Exley and husband Robert, Alvin, Texas; his son, James (Jim) Cross and wife Jennie, Watkinsville, Georgia; sisters, Pearlene Reynolds, Vonna Russell, Betty Hollingshead; brother Rocky Cross and wife Glenda; sister-in-law Freda Cross; grandchildren, Heather Exley Feimster and husband Daniel, William Exley and wife Stephanie, Arianna Cross, and Chance Cross; three great-grandchildren, Luke and Andrew Feimster, and Everly Exley; and numerous nieces and nephews.

James Cross grew up spending time outdoors. He maintained his love of nature throughout his life as an avid hunter, fisherman, and birdwatcher. He enjoyed and appreciated all of God’s creatures – except the squirrels who plotted against his efforts to enjoy the birds. His mechanical mind for creative revenge allowed for years of back-and-forth battles and strategies designed to deter said squirrels from stealing the birdseed meant for his favorite yard visitors. Anytime you’d visit, he’d regale you with his current plan to outsmart the daring-do of the squirrel troops with which he was at war.

He spent much of his life working in the oil refining industry in Houston, Texas, as a millwright in the maintenance departments at large companies including Lubrizol, Texaco, Shell Oil, and other industry contractors. He took pride in his work and passed along that work ethic to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed building and fabricating solutions to problems, both at work and at home, and usually had a handful of projects going on in his garage. After his retirement, James used his skills to support their subdivision management with land-use planning, maintenance and repair, and storm clean up.

While a hard-worker, James still thoroughly enjoyed a good laugh and prank. When you saw him sneaking around a corner, you knew he had a plan that would result in a story retold for years. His mischievous eyebrow wiggle always gave it away when he was up to something. Spending any time with James meant you’d hear a wealth of stories that would put a smile on your face. Forever a kid at heart, James spent time teaching his great-grandchildren how to spin his own childhood tops just a few weeks before his death – a memory cherished by all.

For many years, James kept an enviable garden that produced some of the best homegrown fruits and vegetables in East Texas, according to his friends and neighbors. He was quick to share his abundance with those around him, and he was always willing to take care of others when he could. His legacy of enjoying life, working hard, and taking care of those around you will be carried on by everyone who loved him.

Memorial service arrangements will be available at a later date. The service will take place in Sherman, Texas, for close family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens is entrusted with arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.