James Nail

James Ray Nail, 90, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away on Monday, June 14, 2021.  He was a longtime resident of Pearland, Texas and spent his final years in Sweeny.

He was born August 27, 1930 in Houston, Texas to Homer and Maude Nail.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Doris Darroh, and his beloved wife Jessie Eberhart Nail.  He is survived by his five children: Sherry Walters (husband Tad), Julie Buller (husband Mike), Mark Nail (wife Trina), Stuart Nail (wife Hollie), and Derrick Nail (wife Sandy), as well as son-in-law, George Sturgis IV.  He is the beloved Papa to 19 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren.

J.R. graduated from Lamar High in Richmond and attended Wharton Junior College and Trinity University on Athletic Scholarships.  He was drafted August 14, 1951 and served during the Korean War.  Entering the Marine Corps as a Private, he rose to the rank of Captain.  He attended the U.S. Navy Flight School and won his wings as a Naval Aviator.  He was one of the first out of his class to be checked out in a Super Sonic fighter and was a member of the “Mach Buster” club having flown faster than the speed of sound.

J.R. worked in the oil field service industry in the Texas and Louisiana area.  Throughout his adult life, he was active in the Republican Party serving as Precinct Chair, State Convention delegate, National Convention delegate, and Brazoria County Chair.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 18, 2021 at C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home, in West Columbia. Interment will follow in Sweeny Cemetery with military honors.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Friday morning prior to the service.

Memorial donations in his honor may be made to Camp Hope at ptsdusa.org or to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.