Obituary of Melvin Lee James

Melvin Lee James was born to the late Houston James, Jr and the late Beulah Cezar on March 9, 1960 in Houston, Texas. 

Melvin accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior early in life. He attended Jesse H. Jones High School and entered into the vocational work program until graduation in 1979. Later that year, he and Cynthia Tillman (mother of his firstborn son) welcomed their baby boy, Melvin "Roc" Tillman into this world.

At the age of 20, he met the love of his life, Peggy Ann Duplechin and they were united in holy matrimony on April 25, 1981.  From this union, they were blessed with three sons; Kelvin, Brian, and Brandon James.

Melvin discovered his love of the road when he began driving 18-wheelers while working with his father for Westheimer Transfer and Storage.  After driving for many years, he later began his career as a truck salesman until he was unable to work.

Melvin was a devoted husband, loving father, and a good friend to many.  He was well-known and respected for how he provided and protected his family.  Melvin's happiest times were spent with his family, dancing to zydeco music, and riding his motorcycle with his friends. He enjoyed watching sports; particularly basketball and football.  He also enjoyed sci-fi movies and shooting pool.

He departed this life on Sunday, October 8, 2017 at Pearland Medical Center in Pearland, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Beulah Cezar and Houston James, Jr. (Alma) ; one son, Brian James; two sisters, Kathy Nicholson and Vivian Nicholson; grandson, Matthew James, and four brothers-in-law, Roger Reeves, Eric Duplechin, Dale Olivier, and Gary Duplechin.

Melvin leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted wife, Peggy James of Manvel, TX; three sons, Melvin "Roc" Tillman (Erica) of Houston, TX, Kelvin James (Madeline) of Fresno, TX, and Brandon James of Manvel, TX; a loving step-father, James "Jim" Cezar of Houston, TX; his brother, Alvin "Jerome" Mark (Monika) of Conroe, TX; one sister, Robbie Reeves of Houston, TX; one sister-in-law, Judy Olivier of Fresno TX; one brother-in-law, Gerald Duplechin (Linda) of Round Rock, TX; and six grandchildren, Deavon Henry, Markel James, Madison James, Maverick James, Mathan James, and Meriyah Tillman; his father and mother-in law, Howard and Loula Duplechin of Breaux Bridge, LA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services for Melvin will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Clayton Funeral Home, 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, TX 77581. Visitation will be held from 9:00am – 11:00am. Services to begin promptly at 11:00am in the funeral home chapel with Pastor L.J. Comeaux, Sr. officiating. Interment will follow at Houston Memorial Gardens in Pearland, Texas.