James Henry "Jim" Lemons died on Friday, October 14, 2005, at the age of 80. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM, Tuesday, October 18, 2005, at First Baptist Church with Rev. Dennis Teeters, pastor, officiating. He will be assisted by Rev. James Mitchell of San Angelo.The family will receive friends from 7 PM to 9 PM Monday at the funeral home.Mr. Lemons was born on May 15, 1925 in Mineola, Texas, the only child of John Henry Lemons and Reba Carson Lemons. The family moved to Big Spring in 1935. Mr. Lemons graduated from Big Spring High School in 1944. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served honorably in World War II, and later in the Korean Conflict. He attended Iowa State University and Texas A&M University, majoring in electrical engineering. He was employed by Texas Electric for 45 years, before retiring in 1985. He worked and lived in O'Donnell and Odessa, Texas before returning to Big Spring in 1964.Mr. Lemons was active in his community and belonged to various service organizations throughout his life. While in O'Donnell (1952 – 1958), he supervised all of Texas Electric's operations and was a volunteer firefighter. In Odessa (1958 – 1964), he was the commercial sales representative for Texas Electric, and established the first Jaycee's Club and was active in Jaycee's and the American Business Club. After returning to Big Spring, he was an officer in the Rotary Club, and President and District Governor for the Downtown Lion's Club. Mr. Lemons was a Deacon and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church. He was a Director for the Electric Utilities Credit Union, where he was a charter member. He ran a small ranching and farming operation in Luther, and enjoyed buying livestock for Texas Electric from local youth.Mr. Lemons married Rhoda Miller on June 3, 1950. His lovely bride was the daughter of a local ranching and pioneer family. She predeceased her husband on February 24, 2000. Mr. Lemons was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.He is survived by his two daughters, Xan Lemons Seely of Luther and Lisa Lemons Nichols of San Angelo; his grandchildren, Tonya Spence and husband, Garry, of Big Spring, Zack Seely of Big Spring, Melanie Settles and husband, Mark, of Big Spring, Joseph Seely and wife, Mandy, of San Antonio, Camilla Correa and husband, Mike, of Big Spring, CharitiXan Stephens and husband, Eric, of Austin, MeLissa Munden and husband, Cody, of San Angelo and Trey Nichols of San Angelo, and 14 great grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. The family also wishes to include Richard Robertson and wife, Licia, of Big Spring and Kimberly Kennemur of Big Spring. Pallbearers are his grandsons and grandsons-in-law. Honorary pallbearers are all Deacons of First Baptist Church. Richard Robertson will serve as law enforcement escort.The family requests memorials be made to Texas A&M scholarship funds or Lions International.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
