James Ray Dunsmore

     James Ray Dunsmore, 93, of Jasper, Texas passed away peacefully on May 21, 2025, surrounded by his family at a Houston skilled nursing rehabilitation facility.

     James was born on December 6, 1931 to Clayton and Lessie (Dear) Dunsmore in Alto, Texas as their only child.  He graduated from Alto High School as the highest-ranking boy in his class in 1949.  He completed his college education in three years, receiving a BBA degree from Stephen F Austin State College in Nacogdoches, Texas in May 1952.

     While at SFA, James met the love of his life, Dorothy Jean (Brunner) Dunsmore.  They were married June 29, 1952 in the First Methodist Church in Jasper, Texas.  He was inducted into the U.S. Army on November 3, 1952 and sent to Fort Hood, Texas.  In July 1953, James was sent to the army school at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana, until November of 1953.  Upon his return to Fort Hood, he was assigned as Chief Clerk to the Chief of Staff of the First Armored Division.  After his two years of service, he was honorably discharged November 2, 1954.

    After his service, James began his career in Alice, Texas where he was employed by Alice Savings and Loan Association as a Loan Officer for 22 years.  In July 1976, he became the Executive Vice-President of Sandia State Bank, also in Alice, for 11 years.  He retired in June 1987, after 33 years with the financial services industry.

     James and Dorothy worked and lived 33 years in Alice, where they raised three daughters.  After their retirement they moved to Port Bolivar, along the Gulf Coast, where they enjoyed fishing and fun with dear friends..  After three hurricanes, they decided, it was time to move and relocated to Jasper, Texas where they resided for 34 years, before moving to Houston in November 2024.

     In their early years, James and Dorothy enjoyed family camping in their travel trailer at Lake Corpus Christi, and traveling to nearby states - especially Colorado.  They later enjoyed many car trips to different states.  James enjoyed getting together with friends, playing bridge and Pollyana (a board game), doing yard work, and took special joy in mowing his 2-acre yard on his riding mower until he was 90!!.  He was also involved in many church activities, both in Alice and Jasper.  He treasured the time together with his three girls and grandkids.

     James is preceded in death by his mother and father, Clayton and Lessie (Dear) Dunsmore.  He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Dorothy Jean Dunsmore, and their three daughters: Janis Heider (Don), Linda Armstrong (Tom), and Judy Gravely (Kirk).  He is also survived by 8 grandchildren: Mike Heider (Viviane), Brian Heider, Kristin Lankford (Matthew), Karen Heider, Kimberly Compton (Brad), Evan Gravely, Will Gravely, and Sara Gravely.  He is also survived by 9 great-grandchildren: Ben, Hudson, Garrett, Clara, Cayden, Conner, Brooklyn, Jordan, and Avery.

     The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Windermere Estates Senior Living, Cypress Pointe Health and Wellness Center, and Silverado Hospice, all of Houston, for all their love and care for James during this time.

     Funeral Services for James will be held June 5th at 10:00 am, at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 14225 Hargrave Rd, Houston, Tx.,281-469-2457.

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made, in James's name, to the charity of your choice.