Obituary of James Harlan Black, Jr.

James Harlan Black, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully in the arms of God at his Pearland home on January 3, 2016, following a long illness. His wife of 40 years, and love of his life, Martie, was at his side. James was BOI (born on Galveston Island) June 29, 1930 to James Harlan Black, Sr. and Anna Barbara Haymon. He graduated from Ball High School in 1949 where he excelled at all sports. He attended Lamar University and later, at the age of 50, earned his college degree. James worked for several years at refineries in the Galveston and Texas City areas and later in 1976-1990 he and Martie moved overseas while James continued his career as a Project Manager in Iran, Saudi Arabia, the Virgin Islands, Egypt and Singapore. After retirement, James began a new career as a substitute special education teacher in the Pearland ISD. He developed close relationships with kids, teachers and coaches and rarely missed a Friday night football game. James’ family thanks Pearland High School, Shirley and the Athletic Department, Coach Heath and Coach Wells for treating him like a king! James was a member and trustee of Calvary Baptist Church. He enjoyed playing golf, fishing and hunting and was rightfully proud of his lemon crops. His family remembers him as a loving PaPaw, a wildly good story teller and jokester with the ability to put away more crawfish than anyone at the table. James is survived by his wife Martie Black, sons, Mike Black and wife Kay, Jerry Black and wife Michele, Bart Black and wife Rachele, daughter, Rose Merritt and husband Jim; grandchildren Michael Black, Emily Black, Tracey Beard, Sofia Black, Addie Black, Carley Black, Brittany Robbins, Rachel Merritt, Devon Merritt, Rhys Merritt, nieces Barbara Reynolds, Linda Clifton, Carol Cline and numerous cousins and life-long friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Ruth Black Stone. Following the service, the family hopes you will join them at the Calvary Church reception hall for a fried chicken lunch. You know, James would like that! A visitation will be held Wednesday evening, January 6th from 6:00 to 8:00pm at Clayton Funeral Home in Pearland, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, TX 77581. The Funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 10:00am on Thursday, January 7, 2016 with a fried chicken lunch following at the Calvary Baptist Church, 3302 CR89, Pearland, TX 77584.