James K Presnal, 92, passed away the morning of May 30, 2018, in Bryan, Texas. James will be honored with a Life Tribute Service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Alexander United Methodist Church in Tabor, Texas. Services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Centers of Bryan College Station.
James was born July 27, 1925 in Tabor, Texas, to Will and Majorie Marquart Presnal. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1942, after which he volunteered for service and reported for active duty in October 1943 with the Army Air Corps.
He served overseas during WWII in Italy. He returned to Tabor in December 1945 and enrolled in Texas A&M in January 1946, graduating in January 1949. In 1948 while attending Texas A&M, he ran for and was elected to the Texas Legislature as the representative of Brazos and Grimes Counties and served in the Texas Legislature until 1952. He then attended Law School at the University of Texas and practiced legislative and administrative law in Austin until returning home to the Tabor Community in 1995. In 2005 he received his 50-year plaque from the State Bar of Texas, and continued to represent organizations before the legislature for some time after.
James was involved in the formation of the original Commerce National Bank in Bryan and College Station as an Organizing Director.
He was a loyal and active member of Alexander Methodist Church in Tabor.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert and wife Marguerite, Allister and wife Claudell; and sister-in-law, Lou Presnal.
Survivors include his children, Carol Ann Lemmon and husband Mike, son Forest Cook and James K Presnal Jr. and wife Sirje; his wife of 26 years, Jean Hixson Presnal, her son G. “Butch” Hixson; brothers, Bill, Henry (sonny), Danny; sister, Annie Laurie Richards; dearly beloved grandchildren, Whitney Papadatos and husband Tom, Brendan Lemmon and wife Celia, Kristin Lunsford, Ray Hixson; and most adored seven great grandchildren. He loved them all.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Alexander United Methodist Church Building Fund, or to Hospice Brazos Valley.
So sorry to hear of James K’s passing. He was such a positive person and devoted his life to service. He will be missed by many.
I really admired, respected, and liked James K. My sincere condolences go out to his family.
My Dad, Bennie Allen, always admired James K and was proud to be his first cousin. James K was always good to attend family gatherings including the birthday bar-b-ques at Peach Creek and we looked forward to visiting with him and his family.
Our deepest condolences to all his loved ones at the sad time,
may the Lord bless you with peace and comfort.
Texas lost a great American. We admired his Friendship and truly enjoyed James K’s hospitable kindness. I am appreciative that I had the opportunity have worked Cattle with James K and Sonny and will cherish these and other wonderful memories.
Jean, Butch, Ray, Kristen, Children and rest of Presnal family our sympathy is with Y’all.
May God Bless You.
Raymond & Anne Trejo
It was sudden sadness to hear that James K. had passed away. We appreciate the many years of friendship at Alexander UMC. Our prayers are for Jean and all of his loving family!
May God Bless all of you!
Scott, Kathy & Grace Warren
So sorry to hear of the passing of James K. – truly one of the finest. We’re currently overseas, but wanted to express our love and sympathy to Jean and the entire family.
Jerry & Susan Fox