James Edward DeLoney

James Edward DeLoney, 87, of Lumberton, died Thursday, May 21, 2020, at his home.

Jim was born August 6, 1932, in Port Arthur, to the late Olive Degetaire DeLoney and Randolph DeLoney. Following the death of his mother, Jim and his siblings were raised by their father in Port Acres. It was during these formative years that he began a life-long passion for music.

By the age of twelve, Jim had formed his first band with his sister, Evelyn, and three friends known as the Hungry Five. With Jim singing vocals and playing the guitar and drums, the Hungry Five received their initial radio exposure in Port Arthur on KPAC’s Saturday morning talent show, “The 1250 Club”. Their success, as a dance band in Southeast Texas, fostered a following of friends and admirers that Jim maintained throughout his life.

In 1950, Jim graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in Port Acres and continued to play drums and sing lead vocals. His musical aspirations were interrupted by the Korean War. Two years after graduation, he entered the United States Army and shipped out for the Korean Peninsula. Although he trained with an armored tank unit, Jim volunteered for communications and reconnaissance assignments working behind enemy lines. He was honorably discharged in 1954 with the rank of Sergeant.

Jim was known for his engaging personality and fun sense of humor. It was often said that he made you feel as though you were the only person in the room. This quality served him well as he entered the shoe business, ultimately owning and operating Jim DeLoney Shoes. Throughout his career, he continued to lead a number of popular local bands. While Western Swing was his favorite, he entertained audiences with a talent that allowed him to arrange and play a wide variety of music.

With music ever-present, Jim’s true love was family. He was married to Betty Kimball DeLoney for forty-seven years, until her death in 1999. Together, they raised four beautiful children. As a grandfather, Jim’s infectious laugher and love for a good joke or prank was non-stop entertainment. The lessons he shared were the joy of laughter and the importance of time together well spent. In 2004, Jim married Renella Landry Babin DeLoney. This union brought great happiness, as Jim and Renella shared the love of travel, family, friends, and music.

Survivors include his wife, Renella DeLoney, Lumberton; daughters, Janis Bounds and husband, Charles “Buzzy”, of Nederland; Jennifer Vilce and husband, Craig, of Port Neches; Julie Dorris and husband, Ken, of Fort Worth; son, James R. DeLoney, of Austin; grandchildren, Chuck Bounds; Jessica Bounds Blanchard; Brannon LaBove; Ross LaBove; Kate Dorris; Caroline Dorris Grace; and Will Dorris; eight great-grandchildren; and step-son, James Lee Babin and wife, Derrilyn of Montgomery.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Olive and Randolph DeLoney; first wife, Betty DeLoney; sisters, Evelyn Rowley and Margaret Moreau; and brother, Bruce DeLoney.

A family graveside service will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Groves, under the direction of Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Teen Reach Adventure Camp, Austin, Texas by visiting https://tracaustin.org/donate ; or to an organization of one’s choice.