James E. Jeter

James E. Jeter, 86, of Abilene passed away early Wednesday morning, March 7, 2012, at Wesley Court nursing facility in Abilene surrounded by loving nurses that always took such kind care of him. He was born in Gainesville, Texas, on August 26, 1925, to Homer and Jewell (Page) Jeter. He graduated from Ponder High School in 1942. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from August 1944 to June 1946 on the USS Nashville, General MacArthur's Flag Ship. He married his high school sweetheart, Esta (Estie) Lena Knight on February 25, 1946 in Denton, Texas, and had recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary. He received a Degree in Industrial Arts from North Texas State University in 1949, and received his Master's Degree in 1953. He taught in Levelland, Texas, at Abilene High School, was Vocational Director in Abilene ISD, and retired as Assistant Superintendent of Sweetwater ISD. After retirement he began J & J Construction Company. He was a member of First United Methodist Church where he served on many boards and committees. He was a longtime member of Abilene Teachers Federal Credit Union and served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors. He served on the board from 1963 - 1997. James is survived by his wife, Estie Jeter of Abilene; son, Stephen Jeter, and daughter and son-in-law, Kendra and David Gililland, also of Abilene. Grandchildren are Shoni Power and husband Dane and their sons Grayson and Gavin James of Missouri City; and Hali Thompson and husband Adam with their son Caiden of Abilene. Survivors also include two brothers and their spouses, John and Vee Jeter and Joe and Joyce Jeter, and one sister and her husband, Judy and Lynn Holt, all of Denton. Survivors also include many loving nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Johnny Michael Jeter. Love and thanks go to the staff at Wesley Court for the great care and kindness he received there, and also the kind care of Dr. George Dawson and Hospice of the Big Country. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, Hospice of the Big Country, or a charity of your choice. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 9, at First United Methodist Church in Abilene with Bill Alexander and Tom Leeth officiating. Interment will follow at 3 p.m. in Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd. in Abilene.