James William Criswell

Jim Criswell was born on April 29, 1954 to Laura and Maj. Billy Criswell, USAF, in San Benito, Texas. Since his father was military, the family lived in various locations until Maj. Criswell retired in 1968. They then returned to their roots in Limestone County, Texas, and began a cattle ranch. Jim attended Groesbeck High School, worked the ranch, and began to pursue music seriously. He graduated high school and, although he had a very high draft number, enlisted in the USAF in 1972 during the Vietnam War and served as an Electronic Computer Systems Repairman. He served stateside and also served in the Drum and Bugle Corp at Keesler AFB. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1974 and stayed in the Denver area where he continued to pursue music. He moved to Rosenberg in the early 80s at his father's suggestion, began work in the oil fields, and continued to play guitar. His skill continued to progress and he played with many bands. He became a much respected musician playing in bands that opened for many national acts, including The Guess Who, The Marshall Tucker Band, Molly Hatchet, Mickey Gilley, Clint Black, and Tim McGraw. He also returned to school, earned an Associate Degree in Computer Technology with a 4.0 GPA, and began working in the computer field. His son, William, was born in 1987, followed by his daughter, Rebecca, in 1990. Jim continued working and playing, forming life-long friendships. In 1999, he and Jill met and later married in 2000. They moved to San Antonio and lived there for five years, but returned to Houston on 2005 where they both worked for CHRISTUS Health. Not long thereafter, Jim realized his dream and was offered a position in BJ Thomas's former band, The Triumphs. Being a member of this band brought him so much joy and he was very proud to be a part of it all. In 2012, Jim went to work at UT Health which he described as the best job he ever had. He continued to stay very active in music and play with The Triumphs. He also became active with Jill in animal rescue and advocacy and spent a lot of time caring for their pets that meant the world to them. They found tremendous joy in helping and spending time with them and it enriched their lives greatly. Jim was so humble that many people who did not have the pleasure of seeing him play guitar never knew how accomplished he was in music and in all areas of life. He was not afraid to tackle anything and could fix anything. He was a man with a heart of gold, who showed kindness to everyone he encountered, whether a life-long friend or a homeless person or pet in need of help. Friendship meant everything to him and he knew how to be a good friend. He would drop everything to help anyone and never failed to show people how much he cared. His happiness and enthusiasm for life were contagious and people were drawn to him because of it. There will never be another person like Jim. Jim is survived by his wife, Jill, his mother, Laura Waller, his son, William, daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca and Jason Stroup, sister and brother-in-law, Martha and David Sanders, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Andy and Vicki Parker, sister-in-law, Patti Sherrod, grandchildren, Mason Criswell, Eli Wiginton, Noah Wiginton, and Hannah Stroup, in addition to countless other beloved friends and family. He was preceded in death by his father, Maj. Billy Criswell, USAF, Ret., and his step-father, Lloyd Waller. Visitation will be held on Friday, December 2, 4pm-8pm, at Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Chapel, 3900 BF Terry Blvd, Rosenberg, TX 77471. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 3, at 2pm, at the same location. The graveside service will be at 1pm Monday, December 5, at Criswell Cemetery in Falls County, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family has started a fund in Jim's name, which will be used to care for pets in need: https://www.youcaring.com/jimcriswellmemorial-703031

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James William Criswell

April 29, 1954 - November 22, 2016