James Francis Devenport May 18, 1935-December 24, 2012 James began his life of 77 years in Alpine, Brewster County, Texas, at 12:30am on May 18, 1935, the second son of Elmer Devenport, an architectural engineer, and Frances Ferguson Devenport, an educator. Education was stressed to James by his parents who each had earned a BachelorContinue Reading
Durward Stell
left a message on January 7, 2013:
Judy, i am sorry for you and your families loss. Thinking of you.Durward Stell
jan bunch
left a message on January 3, 2013:
JUDY I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JIM. I KNOW HE IS WITH OUR LORD AND SAVIOR. JUDY I THINK ABOUT Y OU VERY OFTEN .OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. WOULD LOVE TO HAVE LUNCH SOMETIME IN MIDLAND. MY CELL PHONE # 575-370-9078 - JUDY ALL OUR LOVE TO YOU BILL & JAN BUNCH
Gary Beggs
left a message on January 3, 2013:
Judy and family,Know that Jim was one-of-a-kind who touched hundreds of young lives. He was on my short list along with only Herr Kleinbeck at LHS as my favorite teacher. Not only was he an excellent Calculus teacher (while I struggled at TTU in some classes, I breezed through 2 semesters of calculus due to Diamond Jim's teaching--and I'm sure he knew about that nickname). He was a genius -- he actually made calculus fun and interesting, while throwing in some great life lessons in a subtle but effective way.I have no doubt he was a super landman - with his attention to detail, his intelligence, and his ability to relate, he probably ran the best title in the state and never met a lessor he couldn't lease. I know Jim is enjoying the Lord's kingdom. Thanks again, Jim!
Virgil & Sunny Pulliam
left a message on January 3, 2013:
Dear Judy & Family,My wife, Sunny, and I were very saddened to learn of Jim’s death. I regret we will be unable to personally attend Jim’s memorial services, but I would nonetheless like to share a few personal memories in the guest book. Jim and I were classmates in Alpine from elementary school through high school. His family was a warm and welcoming family. I was often a guest in their home. Jim and I were close friends during those years we both lived in Alpine. We ran around a lot together as teenagers doing all the usual things teenagers do. We played sports together. We hunted and fished together on many occasions. We were also lab partners in our high school chemistry class. For some reason our chemistry teacher, “Butch†Crawford, did not encourage us to pursue chemistry careers notwithstanding (or possibly because of) some memorable chemistry experiments that we performed which were outside the regular class curriculum. At the end of our senior high school year, Jim and I traveled in my freshly overhauled 1950 De Soto automobile from Alpine to Port Lavaca, TX for a vacation on my granddad’s farm. Upon our arrival, my granddad hired a cabin boat and fishing guide so we could experience a day of salt water fishing on Matagorda Bay. We caught a small shark, a number of large salt water catfish ( “gaff-topsâ€) and some nice trout. Thrilled with our fishing prowess, we proudly took our catch of trout to the Shellfish Restaurant in Port Lavaca to see if they would cook them for us. The restaurant owner graciously agreed to prepare our trout and serve them to us with all the appropriate fixings. Jim and I dined that evening on fish that had been swimming in the bay that morning. Can’t get them any fresher than that! After returning to Alpine that summer, Jim and I took different directions for our college educations and careers. I married my wife, Sunny, just before entering U.T. law school. Four years later, Jim married his lovely wife, Judy, whom he introduced to us when they visited while we were living in Austin. Although Jim and I have lived in different cities far apart and had few opportunities to get together over these many intervening years, I always considered Jim to be one of my oldest and best friends. I value the memories of many good times we shared. I will miss him greatly.Judy, we extend our deepest sympathies to you, to Anne, and to all of Jim’s other family members and friends. In Jim’s memory, Sunny and I are contributing $100 to the American Cancer Society to aid in the ongoing effort to find new therapies for cancer treatment, a disease which sadly has taken too many of our former classmates and dear friends.Virgil & Sunny PulliamDurango, CO
Nancy & Jack Fisher
left a message on December 30, 2012:
Thinking of you Judy with our prayers.Nancy & Jack Fisher
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Betty Sanders Whitehead
left a message on December 28, 2012:
Dear Judy, I'm sorry to hear about your husband passing away. I didn't have him as a teacher but I do remember the name. God Bless you and your family during this time.Betty Sanders Whitehead
Lana Caldwell Stahl
left a message on December 28, 2012:
It has been 40+ years, but I want to let you know that Mr. Devenport had a profound influence on my life. I was a bright, but challenging student who was fortunate to have him as my teacher for 3 of my 4 high school years. He would never believe that I ended up as a Math Specialist for two Districts - and am now a Principal at an intermediate school! Thank you, Mr. Devenport!
Randy Prude
left a message on December 27, 2012:
Judy, Jim was one of my all-time favorite teachers! I remember our fun times in Austin when he accompanied me to the UIL number sense and slide rule state finals. I also think he was a class favorite in my calculus class. We especially liked it when would get exasperated and throw his chalk at one of us! He will leave an empty space in our hearts.
craig a campbell
left a message on December 27, 2012:
Judith: Jim made such a difference in the direction of my future interests and career. He combined wit and firm direction to challenge us all and his methods worked well for me. The math skills I learned from Jim not only prepared me for college but also my career and children. He will live on in all his students, his friends and you. You both are blessings in my life. He will be sorely missed ...Im just one of many that will.
Peggy Hartsell
left a message on December 27, 2012:
Dear Judy, So sorry to read about James this morning. I know happy memories can help fill an empty heart. If I can be of any help, please call me. Love always.
Mary Beth Smith Lampe
left a message on December 27, 2012:
Mr. Devenport was my all time favorite teacher because he truly enjoyed and cared about his students and made our class so much fun. He called our class the jungle and he was the big chimp. He had nicknames for us. He said we paid our money to watch him dance. He would show us how to solve a problem on the board, then write, E. Z. He made us all laugh. What a great way to learn! He was my inspiration as I taught junior college for 17 years. My heart goes out to you in your loss.Mary Beth
Peggy Hartsell
left a message on December 27, 2012:
Dear Sweet Judith, So sorry to read about James. I know he has had a long hard struggle, but now is at peace. Call if there is any thing I can do. Love.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Durward Stell
left a message on January 7, 2013:
Judy, i am sorry for you and your families loss. Thinking of you.Durward Stell
jan bunch
left a message on January 3, 2013:
JUDY I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JIM. I KNOW HE IS WITH OUR LORD AND SAVIOR. JUDY I THINK ABOUT Y OU VERY OFTEN .OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. WOULD LOVE TO HAVE LUNCH SOMETIME IN MIDLAND. MY CELL PHONE # 575-370-9078 - JUDY ALL OUR LOVE TO YOU BILL & JAN BUNCH
Gary Beggs
left a message on January 3, 2013:
Judy and family,Know that Jim was one-of-a-kind who touched hundreds of young lives. He was on my short list along with only Herr Kleinbeck at LHS as my favorite teacher. Not only was he an excellent Calculus teacher (while I struggled at TTU in some classes, I breezed through 2 semesters of calculus due to Diamond Jim's teaching--and I'm sure he knew about that nickname). He was a genius -- he actually made calculus fun and interesting, while throwing in some great life lessons in a subtle but effective way.I have no doubt he was a super landman - with his attention to detail, his intelligence, and his ability to relate, he probably ran the best title in the state and never met a lessor he couldn't lease. I know Jim is enjoying the Lord's kingdom. Thanks again, Jim!
Virgil & Sunny Pulliam
left a message on January 3, 2013:
Dear Judy & Family,My wife, Sunny, and I were very saddened to learn of Jim’s death. I regret we will be unable to personally attend Jim’s memorial services, but I would nonetheless like to share a few personal memories in the guest book. Jim and I were classmates in Alpine from elementary school through high school. His family was a warm and welcoming family. I was often a guest in their home. Jim and I were close friends during those years we both lived in Alpine. We ran around a lot together as teenagers doing all the usual things teenagers do. We played sports together. We hunted and fished together on many occasions. We were also lab partners in our high school chemistry class. For some reason our chemistry teacher, “Butch†Crawford, did not encourage us to pursue chemistry careers notwithstanding (or possibly because of) some memorable chemistry experiments that we performed which were outside the regular class curriculum. At the end of our senior high school year, Jim and I traveled in my freshly overhauled 1950 De Soto automobile from Alpine to Port Lavaca, TX for a vacation on my granddad’s farm. Upon our arrival, my granddad hired a cabin boat and fishing guide so we could experience a day of salt water fishing on Matagorda Bay. We caught a small shark, a number of large salt water catfish ( “gaff-topsâ€) and some nice trout. Thrilled with our fishing prowess, we proudly took our catch of trout to the Shellfish Restaurant in Port Lavaca to see if they would cook them for us. The restaurant owner graciously agreed to prepare our trout and serve them to us with all the appropriate fixings. Jim and I dined that evening on fish that had been swimming in the bay that morning. Can’t get them any fresher than that! After returning to Alpine that summer, Jim and I took different directions for our college educations and careers. I married my wife, Sunny, just before entering U.T. law school. Four years later, Jim married his lovely wife, Judy, whom he introduced to us when they visited while we were living in Austin. Although Jim and I have lived in different cities far apart and had few opportunities to get together over these many intervening years, I always considered Jim to be one of my oldest and best friends. I value the memories of many good times we shared. I will miss him greatly.Judy, we extend our deepest sympathies to you, to Anne, and to all of Jim’s other family members and friends. In Jim’s memory, Sunny and I are contributing $100 to the American Cancer Society to aid in the ongoing effort to find new therapies for cancer treatment, a disease which sadly has taken too many of our former classmates and dear friends.Virgil & Sunny PulliamDurango, CO
Nancy & Jack Fisher
left a message on December 30, 2012:
Thinking of you Judy with our prayers.Nancy & Jack Fisher
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Betty Sanders Whitehead
left a message on December 28, 2012:
Dear Judy, I'm sorry to hear about your husband passing away. I didn't have him as a teacher but I do remember the name. God Bless you and your family during this time.Betty Sanders Whitehead
Lana Caldwell Stahl
left a message on December 28, 2012:
It has been 40+ years, but I want to let you know that Mr. Devenport had a profound influence on my life. I was a bright, but challenging student who was fortunate to have him as my teacher for 3 of my 4 high school years. He would never believe that I ended up as a Math Specialist for two Districts - and am now a Principal at an intermediate school! Thank you, Mr. Devenport!
Randy Prude
left a message on December 27, 2012:
Judy, Jim was one of my all-time favorite teachers! I remember our fun times in Austin when he accompanied me to the UIL number sense and slide rule state finals. I also think he was a class favorite in my calculus class. We especially liked it when would get exasperated and throw his chalk at one of us! He will leave an empty space in our hearts.
craig a campbell
left a message on December 27, 2012:
Judith: Jim made such a difference in the direction of my future interests and career. He combined wit and firm direction to challenge us all and his methods worked well for me. The math skills I learned from Jim not only prepared me for college but also my career and children. He will live on in all his students, his friends and you. You both are blessings in my life. He will be sorely missed ...Im just one of many that will.
Peggy Hartsell
left a message on December 27, 2012:
Dear Judy, So sorry to read about James this morning. I know happy memories can help fill an empty heart. If I can be of any help, please call me. Love always.
Mary Beth Smith Lampe
left a message on December 27, 2012:
Mr. Devenport was my all time favorite teacher because he truly enjoyed and cared about his students and made our class so much fun. He called our class the jungle and he was the big chimp. He had nicknames for us. He said we paid our money to watch him dance. He would show us how to solve a problem on the board, then write, E. Z. He made us all laugh. What a great way to learn! He was my inspiration as I taught junior college for 17 years. My heart goes out to you in your loss.Mary Beth
Peggy Hartsell
left a message on December 27, 2012:
Dear Sweet Judith, So sorry to read about James. I know he has had a long hard struggle, but now is at peace. Call if there is any thing I can do. Love.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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