James Marshall Terry, Jr.

JAMES MARSHALL TERRY, JR., 85, of Cameron, passed away on Tuesday, July 17, 2012, in the warmth and comfort of his home and in the wonderful caring arms of hisdevoted wife, Florine.  His last days were spent with his loving family.  Services are set for Saturday, July 21, 2012, at 10:00 a.m., at Green-Patterson Funeral Home in Cameron, with full Military Honors at the burial in Oak Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will beon Friday, July 20, 2012 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers,memorial donations may be made to Grace Church or a favorite charity.

He is survived by his adoring and beloved wife of 64 years, Florine.  Two sons: James W. Terry and his wife Brenda, of Houston and Milano; and Richard L. Terry and his wife Betty Jean of Fulshear.  Five grandchildren: Laura Terry Johnson and her husband Jason, Elizabeth Terry, LCpl Richard Terry USMC, Jessica Fisbeck, and Jenna Fisbeck. And two great-grandchildren:  Lincoln Johnson and Liam Johnson.

Mr. Terry was born on February 28, 1927 in Yarrellton and graduated from Yoe High School in Cameron.  He served in the U.S. Army in Japan, where he transferred from the Infantry to the 808th Engineer Aviation Battalion, as Sergeant.  He was awarded numerous ribbons and medals for his patriotic service to his Country.  After returning home, he continued his education, graduating from Baylor University, with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree.  He married his glamorous college sweetheart, Florine Harper, in Waco, and moved to Houston where he enjoyed a long career working forGulf Oil and its successor company, Chevron Corporation.

After retirement, he moved to Cameron with his wife where he engaged in many hobbies and interests, along with farming and ranching.  He was a member of the Studebaker Club and restored and collected many rare Studebakers.  He was a member of Grace Church and enjoyed the companionship of many wonderful friends. He was known for his kindness and quiet deeds of good will for others.

While not a hunter, he loved the woodlands and native wildlife.  He was fond of all animals and birds, especially big cats.  Also fond of wildlife art, one of his friends painted for him two nature scenes—a bobcat and a mountain lion, each situated in the gently rolling hills and woodlands of Central Texas.

Mr. Terry encouraged his sons to pursue higher education and to also seek adventures.  Both sons graduated from universities and became professionals in their respective disciplines, and also became scuba divers with one advancing to the Dive Master level.  He suggested that his oldest son (James W.) obtain his Private Pilot’s license, and heenjoyed riding in his son’s airplane, viewing the beautiful Milam, Bell, and McLennan counties’ countryside.  Mr. Terry had dreamed of learning to fly and was pleased to experience flight through his son.  One of his last trips was flying near the prohibitedairspace surrounding President George W. Bush’s Crawford ranch, landing at McGregor Executive Airport, and having lunch at one of President Bush’s favorite cafes by his ranch.

Shortly before his passing, Mr. Terry whispered that it was important for him to know that certain family members would continue to care for the deer, ducks, squirrels, and other woodland creatures in the serene and magical post oak savannah, and also continue to be good stewards of the land.

He also said that he was looking forward to rejoining his parents, brother and sisters, his boyhood collie named Jack, and Duke the dalmatian he owned as an adult, all of whom had already made the journey that he was now traveling. Once in Heaven, he plannedto watch and listen to the trees swaying in the breeze, from afar, accented by the occasional howls of timber wolves and coyotes, knowing that his wife would some day be at his side again, but forever.