James Paul Marsalis

James Paul "Skitter" Marsalis, Sr. was born on October 25, 1938 in Kentwood, Louisiana to proud parents, the late Zella Marshall and James Marsalis. He was raised by his beloved grandmother, Katie Woodward, who also preceded him in death. He later became a member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Raleigh, NC. After moving to Abilene, he became a faithful member of Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 3325 N. 12th St. He accepted Christ at his home church, Sweet Home Baptist Church in Kentwood, Louisiana at an early age. James Paul graduated from O.W. Dillon High School in Kentwood, Louisiana in 1958, and continued his studies at Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana, where he was a starting player on the football team. In 1959 he joined the United States Air Force, serving 12 distinguished years overseas in Japan during the Korean Conflict. Later he enlisted in the United States Army Reserves and completed 30 years of service to his country, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer Class 3. He received numerous awards and accolades, including the Korean Defense Service Medal and an Honorable Discharge. James Paul's civil career included serving as Lieutenant of the Illinois State Police Department in Springfield, Illinois. James Paul was called home on the morning of Friday, October 21, 2011 at a medical center in Big Spring, Texas at the age of 72. He is survived by one son, James Paul Marsalis, Jr. of Mount Vernon, IL; one brother, Charles Marsalis of Raleigh, NC; an uncle, John Marshall of Chicago, IL; two grandchildren, Christopher Marsalis of Philadelphia, PA and Dominique Marsalis of Dayton, Ohio; and two great-grandchildren. Survivors also include a devoted Godmother, Josephine Marshall-Diggs of Liberty, Mississippi, and a special cousin and friend, Oradean Marshall Cardwell and Lynn Cardwell both of Mint Hill, NC; a lifetime Buddy brother, Charles "Chief" Moore of Mount Vernon, IL; a caretaker Buddy and friend, Rev. Iziar Lankford of Abilene, Texas; and a host of cousins, relatives and friends. Services will be 11:30 a.m. Friday, October 28, at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 3325 North 12th St. in Abilene, with Bishop Bill Beckham officiating and remarks by Iziar Lankford, directed by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. A graveside service with full military honors will follow at 1:00 p.m. in Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. Visitation will be 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of James Paul to Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 3325 N. 12th St., Abilene, TX 79603, or Plum Street United Methodist Church, 629 N. 6th Street, Abilene, TX 79601.