James Lynn Stinson
James Lynn Stinson, 77, of Nederland, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born in Beaumont, Texas, to James Fred Stinson and Maudie Josephine Stinson.
James graduated from French High School in Beaumont, Texas in 1966. After graduating high school, he went on to play football at Lamar University where he earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees. During that time, he married the love of his life, Mary “Libbie” Ruysenaars on February 23, 1968. He spent seven years as a teacher and football coach, while they started a family. He moved to Nederland in 1978 and went to work for Mobil Oil, later to become Exxon Mobil, until he retired in 2013.
James will forever be remembered for his love and dedication to his family. Affectionately known as “Papa,” he took an active role in the lives of his grandchildren. He loved spending his time coaching and watching his children and grandchildren play sports, and his legacy of respect and hard work will live on in each of them.
James is survived by his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Libbie; five children, Dr. Michelle Hinds and her husband, Dr. Mark, of Waco, Texas; Kristina Straface and her husband, Bobby, of The Hills, Texas; Josh Stinson and his wife, Shalayne, of Fulshear, Texas; Kara Janak and her husband, Taylor, of Boerne, Texas; and Korinne Dominguez and her husband, Jeremy, of Austin, Texas; nine grandchildren, Dr. Sean Hinds and his wife, Toni; Christopher Hinds and his wife, Ciara; Josie Straface, Samie Straface, Torie Straface, Brynlee Stinson, Eli Stinson, Hudson Janak, and Houston Janak; and one great-granddaughter, Madeline Hinds. He is also survived by his brother, Wayne Stinson and his wife, Dr. Cindy, and countless friends whose lives were touched by his presence.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Maudie Josephine and James Fred; and his infant brother, Jerry Glynn.
A gathering of James’s family and friends will begin at 12:00 p.m. with his funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 5, 2025, at Broussard’s, 505 N 12th Street, Nederland. His interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, donation link; The Tunnels to Towers Foundation, donation link; or a charity of your choice in James’s honor.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Nederland
- 505, North 12th Street, Nederland, Texas, 77627,
- September 5, 2025
- 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Funeral Service
Broussard’s Mortuary Nederland
- 505, North 12th Street, Nederland, Texas, 77627,
- September 5, 2025
- 2:00 pm
Interment
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- 4955, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
- September 5, 2025
So very sorry for your loss.
Libby, My heart breaks for you and your family. James and you together always and forever,
Love, Sallie Mooneyham
VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JAMES.YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY PRAYERS.THERE WERE VERY MANY MEMORIES OF WORKING TOGETHER AT THE B&P.ALOT OF LONG HOT DAYS AND NIGHTS.HE TAUGHT ME ABOUT SEVERAL THINGS ABOUT LIFE.
What a life hope to be on your team on Judgement Day
RIP my friend
Coach Stinson was a role model for many students/athletes at TJ. He was also a man who was truly devoted to his wife, Libbie, his children and grandchildren. I know he created so many wonderful memories with them and I hope those memories help all of you through this very difficult time. He will be missed by so many.
Dear Stinson Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of Coach’s passing. He was such a remarkable man—an incredible leader, mentor, and inspiration. From the moment he welcomed me in during 9th grade, he not only made me feel like part of your family but also shaped me into a more responsible young man.
I’ll never forget his saying: “No excuses!”—a lesson that has stayed with me ever since. Coach showed us that with determination, anything is possible. From going 10-0 our freshman year to pushing each of us to reach our very best, his influence on and off the field was immeasurable.
I was truly grateful for the chance to visit with him a few weeks ago and share memories of those special times. He was a devoted husband to Libby, an even better father, and a man whose impact will last forever.
Though Ann and I are unable to attend the celebration of life, please know we are with you in spirit and in prayer. I look forward to seeing you at a later time—though I hope Coach won’t have me running another set of wind sprints when that day comes!
God bless you all. Coach will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.
With love and sympathy,
Kevin & Ann Snodgrass
Libbie so sorry to hear about James. I know he will be missed by all who were blessed to have known him. Praying for you and your family during this time.
Rest in peace old friend, you will be missed by all of us who called you friend, classmate, and teammate! Godspeed!
We were probably the last football team that he coached at T.J. He was my coach at Thomas Edison and then at T.J. He didn’t just teach us football, he taught us to be good people. He taught us to work together and always do our best. We may not have won all our games, but we are winning at life because of him. Rest in peace Coach.
Libbie I am so sorry for this loss. I know you and James made many beautiful memories together and with family. At this time I hope the memories will carry you and your family through these sorrowful times. I just found out this afternoon and am so sorry I didn’t get to attend. I am sending you a hug. James was a great FHS friend and it was an honor to have gone to school with him. He will be missed.
I worked around James at the B&P for several years. He was a good guy. His dad Fred worked in the blending department there . My grandfather knew Fred very well who also worked and retired from the BNP. Prayers for the Stinson family. Rest in peace, James.
My life will seem empty without James to talk to…From Elementary School to now he was my closest buddy…Prayers for the family that he was so proud of
Rest in Peace, James. You leave a great legacy with your kids and grandkids!!!
Love and prayers for Libbie, Michelle, Kristina, Josh and the twins.
Patty
Enjoyed playing basketball for him and later to work at the same refinery was pretty cool. He was a great fellow. RIP James.
I had a wonderful visit with James last week and we had just the best conversation ever. He loved to tell me about his kids and his family. They truly were the pride of his life and he spoke of the utmost love for his Libby. I will miss my friend!
Rest in peace James, it was always a pleasure to work around you. A fine gentleman, prayers for your family in this loss.
Before the world used the term mentors and hero’s so loosely, CoachS was an amazing mentor and friend when he was my coach at Edison Jr High in the 70s. He cared for and took care of his players and students. And he did the same for his family. Some 50 years later. Still a Hero!