James Aubrey Price was surrounded by his loved ones when he passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2020. He was born on Friday, December 18, 1925 to James F. and Bertie Williams Price at their home in New Hope, Texas in Collin County. James and his family moved to the Sowers Community, one of several farm communities incorporated into Irving, when he was 13.
James served in the United States Army from 1944 through 1946, stationed at Fort Mason in San Francisco on VE Day and later in the Philippines. After his discharge, he returned to Irving and married the love of his life, Anice Baley, on March 29, 1947. He worked at the Ford Assembly Plant in Dallas until it closed, and then taught “mechanicing” at Lincoln Technical Institute until he retired. He was extremely intelligent and could remember the mechanical and electrical diagrams of all the American-made cars, which made him an excellent troubleshooter when it came to car repairs. The family jokes about James telling them about every single part and repair step that he performed on their vehicles. That was a very small price, since he never charged them for the parts or the hours of labor.
James was a happy, boisterous man with a loud booming laugh that would make you smile or laugh, even when you were mad or sad. His infectious smile was readily available to friends and strangers alike. He had a goofy, wild assortment of tales and words that he used over and over to make a point or simply entertain. More than one person kept a journal of these “sayings” for their own use and entertainment.
James and Anice were a team. They made each other’s lives. And their love, devotion and commitment to their family, church and friends was the stuff of legend. No task was too large or too small in their service and stewardship. They loved to travel and made it their goal to see all 50 U.S. States. They particularly loved the national parks and Creede, Colorado, where they frequently took large groups for family members to fish, roll rocks down mountains, and enjoy nature walks.
James loved the Lord and the scriptures and was a faithful member of Pioneer Drive Baptist church for over 70 years. When asked which scripture was his favorite, he quickly answered that it was John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” He accepted Jesus as his savior before he married Anice, and together they shared that message through their words and lives. He knew and rejoiced in his eternal destination and never took that great gift for granted.
Greeting James in Heaven are a host of family and friends, including his beloved wife, parents, brother Bill (Dub) Price, and sisters Billie Jean Nelson and Genell Walker. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Steve Candelaria, Carol and Ronny Powers, and Kathy and Jeff Bongfeldt; adopted son, Emile Brikha; special friend, Nicci Smart; brother, Raymon Price, nine grandchildren and eighteen great grandkids (two on the way).
Due to Covid-19 concerns, the family will hold a private graveside service. To honor James’ service to his church and family, please make a donation in lieu of flowers to Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, 4034 W. Pioneer Dr., Irving, TX 75062, to the Sowers Cemetery Assocation (sowerscemetery.com), or to the charity of your choice.
A virtual reception will be held, anyone interested in attending please send an email to japrice1233@yahoo.com for further details.
James Price touched many lives. The family asks that you post your stories and condolences on the Memory Wall of this website.