James Fred Stinson

James Fred Stinson, a member of the greatest generation and a hero to his entire family, passed from this life to his heavenly life on August 29, 2017. He was born in Douglass, Texas, to Myrtie Hodges Stinson and Dode Columbus Stinson. He said, “he liked nothing better than running barefoot through the woods with his cousins, Marvin and Murphy.”

He heeded the call of service to his country in World War II. He often told his family “I would have never gotten on that ship if everyone else wasn’t going.” He served in the Army 14th Armored Infantry Division 62nd Infantry Battalion from November 1942 to November 1945. On July 2, 1944, he married the love of his life Maudie Josephine Johnson. Six months after getting married, he was a prisoner of war (POW) from January 1, 1945 to May 23, 1945 Stalag IV B. During his imprisonment, he went before a firing squad, was freed by the Russians, and then had to escape from the Russians.

After they celebrated their honeymoon courtesy of the US Army in Hot Springs, Arkansas, he and Maudie moved to the Multimax Village in Beaumont. Fred went to work for the Magnolia Refinery, later to become Mobil Oil, for 37 years in the Blending and Packaging Unit. He was married for 56 years and finally had a wedding cake on his 50th anniversary.

He was loved by his family. At 92 he was still babysitting, going to Subway, West Texas Barbeque, Catfish Cabin and Novrosky’s, and mowing his grass. He always had time for his children and loved family gatherings. His last big party was his 96th birthday party in March.

He is survived by two sons, James Lynn Stinson and his wife, Libbie, of Nederland and Fred Wayne Stinson and his wife, Dr. Cindy, of Lumberton; eight grandchildren; Dr. Michelle Stinson Hinds and her husband, Dr. Mark; Kristina Stinson Straface and her husband, Bobby; Brandi Stinson Stapleton and her husband, David; Dr. Cassie Stinson Spacek and her husband, Kyle; Josh Stinson and his wife, Shalayne; Brittni Stinson Leffage and her husband, Greg; Kara Stinson Janak and her husband, Taylor; and Korinne Stinson; and twelve great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Maudie Josephine and a newborn son, Jerry Glenn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. http://support.woundedwarriorproject.org.

The family would like to thank Claire Caldoza and Geoff Davis for their loving care during his last months.

A gathering of Mr. Stinson’s family and friends will begin at 12:00 p.m. with his funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 9, 2017, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Interment will be at a later date at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.