James A. Ainsworth, Sr.

James Ainsworth, Sr. of China, Texas passed away peacefully on September 20, 2024, in Beaumont, Texas. James was born in Sour Lake, Texas on October 19, 1937, to Jim and Abby Ainsworth. James is survived by his wife and best friend, Gladys Cope Ainsworth.

James was raised in a large and loving family, being one of nine siblings and is preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Abby Ainsworth of Sour Lake, TX; his brothers, Wilson Ainsworth, Sour Lake, TX; Roy Ainsworth, Sour Lake, TX; and Henry Ainsworth, Trinity, TX; and his sisters, Margie Joyce Fredericksburg, TX; and Valere Jacobson, Penrose, CO. James was also preceded by a baby brother, who passed soon after birth.

James is survived by his sister, Irene Beebe, Lumberton, TX; and his brother, Phillip Ainsworth, Rockledge, FL.

James was the father of three children, James Ainsworth, Jr, Willis, TX, and his wife, Carolyn Ainsworth; Paul Ainsworth of Winstead, MN, and his wife, Tabatha Ainsworth; and  Elizabeth Ainsworth Medlin of Lumberton, TX and her significant other, Tim Medlin of Lumberton, TX; grandfather of five grandchildren; Drew Gredzens, Redwing, MN, Trace Medlin, Lumberton, TX, Grace Ainsworth, Houston, TX, Abigail Ainsworth, Kansas City, MO, and Camille Ainsworth, Willis, TX. James was also the Great Grandfather of two great grandchildren, Shepherd Medlin and Ever John-Paul Gredzens.

James was married for over 61 years to the great love of his life, Gladys Cope Ainsworth, of China, TX. December 23^rd would have been their 62^nd wedding anniversary. The love and commitment James and Gladys had for one another has always served as an exemplary example to their children and many others.

Upon graduation from Sour Lake High School in 1956, James started his professional career in the oilfield services and energy sector, prior to his enlistment in the US Army. After serving overseas in Germany in the 2^nd Armored Division, James received an Honorable Discharge and returned home to Texas, where he and Gladys immediately married and started their family.

James continued his career working offshore and then progressed into sales, operations, plant manager and general manager roles in the oilfield services and wellhead valve manufacturing industries. Each new opportunity and promotion usually required James and his family to relocate to new towns and cities throughout Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. James also traveled internationally on business later in his career. In 2003, James retired from OFM Supply, Inc.

James was as a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Council 14473, China, TX and was active at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in China. He enjoyed taking his trailer on the road with Gladys to his favorite lakes in Texas. But most of all, he loved being with his children and grandchildren.

Throughout his life, James was looked up to and respected by many. He was a natural leader, and a hardworking man of faith, courage and humility. His comforting presence, tough yet gentle nature and wit will be greatly missed.

Those who wish are invited to send memorial contributions to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church Altar Society, P.O. Box 38, China, Texas 77613.

A gathering of Mr. Ainsworth’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 245 Highway 90, China, with his interment to follow at China Cemetery.