James Michael Claybar, 80, of Orange passed away in the peace of his home on Friday, May 4, 2012
James, an Orange Native, was born on February 27, 1932 to Ambrose Sr. and Bessie Mazzola Claybar. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and in the Army Reserve thereafter. James was an entrepreneur, involved as a principal owner, and in some cases investor, in various business and real estate ventures.
James, a lifelong Orange resident, had a passion for the great outdoors, and enjoyed traveling and cooking, along with spending quality time with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Louise B. Claybar; his brother Ambrose Claybar Jr. and wife Cindy Claybar; his children Thomas R. Claybar, Kathy Morrison, Mike Claybar, and stepdaughter Tammy H. Nester and husband, Kevin Nester of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Also surviving are his grandchildren Ashlea Claybar, Katy Morrison, Lorida Claybar, Dr. Kyle Nester, and Danielle Nester.
Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, May 10, 2012, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange, with a Wake Service at 6:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial to honor his life will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 11, 2012, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Orange with Father Thomas E. Phelan as Celebrant. A Rite of Christian Burial and Interment will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery 4320 Meeks Drive, with Military Honors provided by the Southeast Texas Veterans Service Group.
The Celebration of Life, for James, will continue after the Rite of Christian Burial and Military Honors, at the San Damiano Center of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Those of you in attendance are invited to join with his family in celebration.
Serving as Pallbearers will be Joey Claybar, Lannie Claybar, Dr. Kyle Nester, Farrell Salano, N. J. Blanchard, & Larry Hulsey. Honorary Pallbearers will be F. David Claybar, Wayne Peveto, Delbert Risinger and Jerry Priddy.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Building Fund, 4300 Meeks Drive, Orange, Texas 77632, 409883-9153.