James Buttrill Nevins

James B. Nevins passed away on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at Meadow Creek Nursing Home in San Angelo. A catered reception hosted by the family will be from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday, May 26, 2011 at Robert Massie Funeral Home in San Angelo. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, May 28, 2011 at Elmwood Memorial Park in Abilene with Oneal Westbrook of Community Hills Christian Church officiating. Arrangements are with Robert Massie Funeral Home. James was born in San Angelo, Texas on December 31, 1917 and married Tommye Lou Hamblett in February 1942. Tommye Lou passed away in 1973. James attended Texas Tech University and received his three degrees which include a Bachelors of Science in 1938, a Masters of Education in 1947, and a Doctorate in Education in 1971. He entered the Air Force in World War II and was assigned as a teacher in navigation in the primary flying schools. After World War II, he served 12 years as Superintendent of Winters, Texas schools. He moved to San Angelo in 1965 in charge of federal programs, served one year at Angelo State University, and was part in setting up the first student teaching program in the public schools. James married Beverly Ann Ward on July 9, 1976 in San Angelo. He served as San Angelo Independent School District as Assistant Superintendant under G.B. Wadzeck and later served seven years as Superintendant of San Angelo Independent School District retiring in 1981 after serving forty years in Texas public schools. After retiring, he continued to work with his favorite hobby, raising cattle on Nevins Ranch in Runnels and Taylor Counties. Survivors include his loving wife of 34 years, Beverly; sons, James R. Nevins and his wife Barbara and Jarry F. Nevins and his wife Suzie all of San Angelo; step-son, Phillip Ward and his wife Lisa of Miles; sister-in-law, Venona Giltrap of Broken Bow, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Lindsey Geske and her husband Jason of Sonora; and Jaron Nevins; Jordan Nevins; Jensen Nevins; Jaxon Nevins all of San Angelo; step grandchildren, Bryce Ward; Blane Ward; Fallon Key; and Kylar Key. The family wishes to express its gratitude to the staff at Meadow Creek Nursing facility and Lighthouse Hospice for the loving care given to our husband and father. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to West Texas Rehabilitation Center, 3001 South Jackson Street, San Angelo, Texas, 76904.