Kenneth James

Kenneth (Kenny) Roy James was born December 2, 1944 in Delta, Colorado to Robert and Emma James.  He grew up in Colorado and then his family moved to Stanfield, AZ where he graduated from Casa Grande Union High School in Case Grande, AZ in 1964. He lettered in football and band. He married Jowanna Tennison on January 25, 1966 at the First Baptist Church in Kearny, AZ. They moved to Houston, TX after the wedding and later settled in Brazoria County the following year.

He completed his Dow Journeyman Electrical Certification at Brazosport College when it was in Freeport, TX. In 1977, he was called to the ministry and was licensed and ordained at Brigance Road Baptist Church. After attending 3-1/2 years at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, TX he moved the family back to Brazoria County and was a resident ever since.

He pastored churches since 1980. During his ministry years he served as a Youth Director, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, Associate Pastor and was anointed by God in his service to his brothers and sisters in Christ. Brother Kenny loved people and working for the church.

Kenny loved his children and was involved in all school activities, sports, and band concerts.

He was a Master Mason for over 48 years. He and Jowanna were Worthy Patron and Worthy Matron of St. John’s Lodge No 5 in West Columbia between 2013 and 2014.

He received the Golden Trowel in 2015. He was a 32nd Degree Mason of the Scottish Rite Temple in Galveston, TX. He loved his Mason Brothers and Eastern Star sisters often serving in many offices for them. He most loved the role of Chaplain.

Kenny and Jowanna celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary January 2016. Sadly later that year Jowanna passed peacefully on Monday September 5, 2016.

March 5, 2017 Kenny married Bell Jowell of Brazoria at Capitol Baptist Church, West Columbia where he was the pastor. They lived in Sweeny and later moved to Brazoria.

Kenny peacefully passed away Saturday February 13, 2021 at 6:06PM at Matagorda Regional Health Care Center in Bay City, TX with his three children by his side and his three grandchildren surrounding him as he entered the gates of Heaven completely healed.

Kenny is survived by his wife, Bell Jowell of Brazoria, TX; daughters, Lowanna James of West Columbia, Becky James Mahurin and husband B.D. Mahurin of Sweeny, TX; his son Bryan James of Sweeny, TX; and his grandchildren, Joshua Miller, Matthias Mahurin and Macy Rae Mahurin; Brothers, Robert James of Eckert, CO. and Richard James of Albertville, AL; and niece, Ricki James.

He is preceded in death by his wife Jowanna Tennison James, and his parents Robert and Emma James.

The funeral will be at Baker’s Funeral Home in West Columbia, TX in the main chapel area.

Visitation will be Friday February 26 from 4-8pm

Services will be Saturday February 27 from 1-3 pm

Pallbearers – Bryan James, B.D. Mahurin, Matthias Mahurin, Joshua Miller, Michael Upham, John Holleman, Rick Gower, and Butch Thorton

Honorary Pallbearers – Best Friend Barney Lowery, Men of Capitol Baptist Church, and the Masons of St. John’s Lodge No. 5 of West Columbia, TX.