James Fontenot, Jr., transitioned peacefully from this life to the next on April 5, 2024, at home with family by his side. James was born May 25, 1944, in Welsh, LA, to parents James and Emma (Ardoin) Fontenot, whom he shared with ten brothers and sisters. While he was still a child, the family moved to Winnie, TX, where James grew up helping with the farm, excelling in athletics, hunting and fishing.

James joined the Army in 1960 at the age of 17 (he fibbed about his age and got his older sister to sign for him!). Initially, he served in Korea and later became a drill sergeant in Ft. Jackson, SC. He served in combat in Vietnam in 1966 as one of the famed tunnel rats, and again in 1972 where he served as a side gunner on a Huey helicopter (getting shot down twice, but safely auto-rotating to the ground). In true James Fontenot fashion, during his first Vietnam deployment, he survived combat relatively unscathed, only to get hit by a train near his home while on leave while crossing the tracks at an unfortunate time. He and brother Emory were seriously injured, but James healed quickly and returned to Vietnam.

He was later stationed at Ft. Bliss, El Paso until his military retirement. The family then moved to Alvin in 1977 where he worked for TDJC at the Ramsey Unit, Ashland Chemical and with his brother Henry in metal building construction before retiring.

James had a passion for hunting, fishing, gardening and giving advice - whether it was solicited or not. And his hunting included everything from gigging frogs to hunting birds, squirrels, rabbits and deer. We joked that there were not too many meats you could name that James had not eaten. He tried in vain to pass his passion for hunting and fishing on to sons Chad and Todd, but in retirement he had another shot with his grandson Cory who learned a lot of hunting and fishing skills, and probably a few things of which Cory's parents wish to remain ignorant.

James loved gardening, and through some horticultural magic and hard work, had gardens that far surpassed a reasonable yield, which he then loved to share with neighbors and friends. James was renowned for wandering the neighborhood, where at least one friend referred to him as the Godfather of the neighborhood, offering advice on lawn care, gardening, hunting, fishing, or even neuroscience if the topic happened to come up.

James was married to the love of his life, Nadine (Boggs) Fontenot, whom he married in 1964, and would have celebrated their 60th anniversary in May. They loved to watch television together and he loved to be "Pawpaw" to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They also cherished their boxer dogs Abby and Lillie. James will be missed, but lived life to his tune and enjoyed his twilight years to the fullest, from playing with grandkids, to roaming the neighborhood offering advice, social visits to Walmart, and dining out.

James is survived by his wife Nadine, brothers: Henry and Donald; sister: Carol; son Chad and wife Debbi; son Todd and wife Sheila; Grandchildren: Cory and Amanda Fontenot; Lauren (Fontenot) and husband Mark Wottlin; Cameron Pool; Dylan Calicott; and, Seth Fontenot; Great-grandchildren: Charlotte and Travis Fontenot; Emberly Wottlin; and, Cooper Pool; as well as numerous friends and extended family. He is predeceased by his parents and brothers: Nukie (Frenchie), Emory, and Herman, and sisters: Hilda, Juanita, Helen, and Caroline.

Visitation: Thursday, April 11, 4:00 - 6:00 PM and Memorial Service at 6:00 PM at Scott Funeral Home in Alvin TX. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.