First United Methodist Church
404 Azalea St
Lake Jackson, TX
77566
Thursday, August 6, 2020
1:00pm-2:00pm
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Funeral Service
First United Methodist Church
404 Azalea St
Lake Jackson, TX
77566
Thursday, August 6, 2020
2:00pm
Map & Directions
Send Flowers
of Clute, TX
April 9, 1943 - August 2, 2020
- Obituary
- Guestbook
Jim was born in La Grange, Georgia in 1943. Being from a Military family he lived in several places including Tennessee, Mississippi and eventually Lake Charles, Louisiana. While living in Lake Charles he earned a degree in mathematics from McNeese State University where he also served in the ROTC. He joined the army in 1965 and graduated from the United States Armored School in Fort Knox Kentucky. He served in the Vietnam War with the 11th armored Cavalry earning a bronze star award and a Purple Heart medal. After being injured in Vietnam he was medically discharged at the rank of Captain. He returned to Lake Charles where he met and married the love of his life, Lettie Lou Kingery. They married on New Year's Eve in 1968 and enjoyed 52 years of friendship and love, plenty of travel and nature walks and many more special memories. Jim and Lettie had one son, Michael. Michael, as well as Michael's two sons Luke and Jake were Jim's pride and joy. Jim and Lettie moved briefly to Lubbock, TX to be near their son and grandsons and moved again when Mike and the boys moved to the Houston area. Jim rarely missed a ball game or special event for any of the boys and relished being part of their daily lives. Jim had a kind and generous soul and will be sorely missed by all the special people in his life. Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years Lettie Abel, his son Michael Abel and daughter in-law Edith Abel, Grandchildren James 'Luke' Abel, Nathan Jacob 'Jake' Abel, Erik Scott Beal and Mary Kathryn Pool, Siblings Leroy Abel, Clara Pitre, Emily Wagner (Wolfgang), Danny Abel (Debbie), Janet Fontenot (Ted), and Steve Abel (Lynette), Sister in Law Carolyn Schneider (Harry), Sister in Law Wilda Kingery and Brother in Law Raymond Webb along with many nieces and nephews all of which he was very fond of.
Memorials may be made to:
Wounded Warrior Project
P O Box 758516
Topeka, KS 66675
(855) 448-3997
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13 Condolence(s)
Terri Meadows
Maysville, NC
Thursday, December 30, 2021
I was Jimmy first cousin my mom is Julia Rhodletter Flickinger. Last time I saw Jim was at Aunt Clara house we sat and talk about are ancestors. Will miss greatly. If you can download are side of the family at your convenience will appreciate it. My condolences 💐 Terri Meadows
James Bumpass
Wake Forest, NC
Wednesday, March 24, 2021
I served under 1st Lt. Abel in Vietnam and highly admired him. We met again at a reunion of the 11th Armored Calvary Vietnam several years ago. Since then, we spoke to each other on the phone. He was a good man and leader.
Andy & Deana Wheeler
Lake Jackson, TX
Friday, August 7, 2020
We were honored and blessed to have Jim as part of our church family. He will be missed.
Brenda Marcantel Shirley
DeQuincy, LA
Thursday, August 6, 2020
Lettie, Michael and family, I am so sorry for your loss but it is only temporary. You will all be together again in that beautiful city of gold. Praying for your peace at this difficult time. Brenda Marcantel Shirley
Josh & Stephanie Treadway
Cincinnati, OH
Thursday, August 6, 2020
Josh and I are sending love & prayers to you all today, as well as the days ahead.
Tim and Sheryl Kingrey
, OH
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
We were so upset to hear of my uncle Jims passing. He was such a great guy, and just so much fun to be around. We will all miss miss him greatly, but rest in our fathers promise that we will see him again. Tim, Sheryl, Lance, and Emily
Lucien and Gwynette Jones
Longville, LA
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Mike, So sorry to hear about your dad and your mother's condition. Have not heard from them in a couple years. We enjoyed a lot of good times in years past. We will pray for your mom and you and Edie as you go through this difficult time.
Love you all, Gwynette and Lucien
Raymond L. Webb
Hamilton, OH
Wednesday, August 5, 2020
Many precious memories of my dear brother-in-law. He was always there to help. Letties constant companion. Jim was also one given to study and learning. I will miss him.
Tresa Campbell
Waldo, OH
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
We will miss Uncle Jim so much. He was so much fun and we loved it when him and Aunt Lettie would visit us in Ohio. Uncle Jim was truly one of a kind. Words cannot express how heartbroken we are. We will keep you all in our prayers. Tresa, Jim, Josh & Hannah Campbell
Sandra Williams
Franklin, GA
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Always enjoyed spending time with Jim & Lettie. It was great memories to visit the Abel family in Louisiana. Bless this family. Love to all.
Gilbert Hollub
Buda, TX
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
My condolences to James's family and friends.
Thanks to James for serving our Country in our US Military, in the United States Army in the Vietnam War !!
G H Sonny Hollub Jr.
Buda/Moravia/Sheridan
68-69 Vietnam - 2/26 Marines, Echo, Guns
Anne Sellmansberger
Arlington, VA
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
Edith and Fuzzy: This saddens me greatly. My love and prayers are with you.
Lionel Vandergriff
Orange, TX
Tuesday, August 4, 2020
So sorry about Jim. Wilda called and let us know. Our prayers are with you.