James Lawson Upham

James Lawson Upham was born May 29, 1935 to Raymond Upham and Lucile Upham, in Midland, Texas. Interesting facts about James is that he was born with two teeth, he was allergic to formula and was raised on goat’s milk. James’ ears protruded a little during his growing up years and he was never able to place a pencil behind his ears without it falling off.

James attended schools in Midland, including Midland High School. He attended Texas A&M University (A & M College then) and graduated in 1957, earning a Bachelor of Science degree.  (Summa Cum Grateful)

James and Pat Nance began dating in high school and married May 26, 1956 in College Station. Pat attended Texas Tech prior to their marriage and worked on the A&M campus until James’ graduation. After serving a brief time in the United States Army, he served 8 years in the Reserves. Upon graduation they returned to Midland where James began working for Continental oil Company. Later, James worked for The Ortloff Corporation, Vinson Supply and Ref Chem. They were blessed with two children, son, Robert Upham and daughter, Victoria Upham. James was very involved in Robert and Vickie’s school activities and never missed a game.

James was an avid woodworker, building many pieces of furniture, wooden toys and home remodeling projects. “Making sawdust” was his favorite pastime.  The most unique project was a grandfather clock built out of walnuts.

James was ordained as a Deacon at First Baptist Church, Midland on February 15, 1967, serving on many church committees. Twice he served as chairman of the Membership Committee when it was time for new church directory. James served as chairman of the Ordinance Committee on several occasions. When it was time for the Lord’s Supper at the beginning of the new year, he would bring newly ordained deacons together before serving and do a mock service teaching them the steps and didn’t put them in a lead roll the first time.

James and Pat began serving in the preschool ministry of First Baptist Church Midland as a young couple and continued to teach until her passing in 1993. James continued to serve in preschool and two years later, James and Susan began dating and were married on September 15, 1995. Their wedding was the first wedding Gary Dyer performed as the Senior Pastor who came in June of 1995. Five grandchildren (Danny Dilman, Brynna Kern, Alex Dillman, Dalton Kern and Meagan Dillman) were a joy and a blessing to James and Susan as many holidays during the grandchildren’s younger years were spent at Grandpa and Grandma’s home. During Vacation Bible School all five grandchildren spent the week at their home with Grandpa treating all the grandchildren to a special dinner at Sho Guns to end VBS week. During the school year, James would often read books in one of the grandchildren’s classes at Lamar elementary.

James and Susan taught in the preschool ministry at First Baptist Church for many decades, before transferring to the children’s ministry area teaching kindergarten children. In his Bible, he had a note “Always be ready to tell what you know about Jesus.” 1 Peter 3:15.

James served on Buckner Home Place Board (chairman of committee that was charged with building Hearthstone Family Place), My Community Credit Union Board, Midland Central Appraisal Review Board and was active as an Adult Scouter for many years. James also was a Class Agent for his Aggie Class of 1957. James was involved with the FBC Boy Scout troop and taught woodworking at Boy Scout camp. One of the joys of scouting was watching Danny Dillman, our oldest grandson receive the rank of Eagle Scout.

Susan and James enjoyed cruising and enjoyed the opportunity to visit many countries.  Their favorite visits were to the Holy Land, Switzerland, Greece, Scotland, Australia and Germany.

James is preceded in death by his father, Raymond Upham, mother, Lucile Upham, brother, Clayton Upham, sister, Anne Upham Keith and daughter, Vickie Upham Kern.

James is survived by his wife, Susan, son, Robert Upham (Cissy), son-in-law, Jim Kern; grandchildren, Danny Dillman (Analy), Brynna Kern Martin (Sawyer), Alex Dillman, Dalton Kern, and Meagan Dillman Heredia (Arturo) and 9 great grandchildren, Avangalean Heredia, Averee Kern, Myla Heredia, James Dillman, Fox Martin, Sylvie Dillman, Adalyn Heredia, Jonas Martin and Luke Dillman.

A special thanks to Hospice of Midland and the amazing nurses who took care of James. They showed much love and respect to James each day.

Memorials may be designated to FBC Children’s Ministry, Hospice of Midland or Buckner Family Place.

The family will receive guests from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, August 13, 2026 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home.  Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 14, 2026 at First Baptist Church Chapel.  The burial will be a private family service.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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