James Carstarphen

On Monday, April 26th James Carstarphen passed from this world into the arms of his loving Savior, Jesus Christ.

James was born September 10, 1936, in Lamar County to Asher and Edith Carstarphen. There he attended the Church of God and later First Baptist Church. He graduated from Paris High School in 1955.

James served in the 49th Armory Division for 8 years. After completing his service, he attended Paris Junior College, Howard Payne University, and later finishing a BA and MS at East Texas State in Commerce, Texas, with a post-graduate seminar at Sam Houston State University, University of Texas A&M and Southwestern in San Marcos.

Mr. Carstarphen’s teaching career included East Paris Elementary from 1959-1963; four years at Hook’s High School in Hooks, Texas 1963-1967. He accepted a position at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas in 1967 as a history instructor. During his tenor at Blinn, James sponsored the Ebony Club, the Arab Association Club, helped with the Key Club and assisted operation at the old Student Center. He remained there until his retirement in 1994.

James received Jesus Christ as his Savior on April 7, 1943, at the altar of the Church of God in Paris, Texas. He loved teaching Sunday school and other efforts at First Baptist Church here in Brenham, which included singing in the choir, mission trips and serving as deacon. Most importantly he met his wife Frances McBride here and they married on January 3, 1981 and he gained 3 grown sons whom he loved greatly.

James is preceded in death by his parents and one stepson Walter McBride. He is survived by his wife of forty years, Frances, two stepsons; Donece and John McBride, granddaughter, Leigh Linden (Barry) and great-grandchildren, Brinley and Braydon Linden.

Visitation will be held Sunday, May 2, from 12-5pm at Brenham Memorial Chapel located at 2300 Stringer St. Brenham, TX. Funeral service will be held Monday, May 3 at 10am at Brenham’s First Baptist Church located at 304 N Market St. with the interment to follow at Prairie Lea Cemetery.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel and online condolences for the family may be left at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com.