ORA NELL KOLKHORST JAMES

Ora Nell Kolkhorst James, 89 of Navasota, passed away at The Waterford in College Station June 25, 2022. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, at Nobles Funeral Chapel. Funeral services are set for 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 30, at Friedens Church of Washington U.C.C., with interment following in the church cemetery. Rev. Eric Dehmer and Rev. Glen Schoenoberg will officiate. Arrangements are under the care of Nobles Funeral Chapel.

Ora Nell was born at home at Old Washington on August 8, 1932 to Otto F. Kolkhorst and Olga Bosse Kolkhorst. During her early school years, she attended Browns Prairie in Old Washington. Ora Nell graduated from Navasota High School in 1950. After graduation, she went to work for Brenham Wholesale Grocery in Brenham, TX.

She married Clifford H. James, her sixth-grade sweetheart, and the love of her life, on April 5, 1953. They would spend some of their first years as newlyweds apart as he was drafted into the United States Army. Ora Nell then went to work for Security State Bank, in Navasota, where she worked for over 25 years. With a strong work ethic and determination, she eventually was able to secure the position of Vice President of the bank.

Once retired, Ora Nell helped manage the family business, Roof and Metal Systems, Inc. She was a lifelong member of Friedens Church of Washington. Through the years, she served in many capacities within the church: Superintendent of the Sunday School, Sunday School teacher, and as a member of the Church Council. Ora Nell was also a member of the Women’s Fellowship, Sons of Hermann Lodge in Washington, and the weekly ladies quilting group.

Ora Nell devoted her life to helping, loving, and serving others. You would often find her taking meals to those that were sick, volunteering in the food pantry, and visiting those in the nursing home. She helped take care of several elderly family members over the years. Ora Nell spent her spare time attending her grandchildren’s many events, quilting, cooking, shopping, and maybe playing a game of chicken foot.

Ora Nell was preceded in death by husband of 56 years, Clifford H. James; parents, Otto F. Kolkhorst and Olga Bosse Kolkhorst; in-laws William G. James, Sr. and Elsie Miller James; sister, Mildred Kolkhorst Breedlove and husbands Ervin Schaefer and Larry Breedlove; sister, Thekla “Babe” Kolkhorst Riechers and husband Ervin Riechers; brother-In-law, William G. James Jr. and wife Doris.

Ora Nell is survived by her son, Michael James; daughter in law, Shelli James; granddaughter, Lauren Nettles and husband Matt; grandson, Spencer James and wife Ashley; great granddaughter, Raeleigh James Nettles; sister-in-law, Mary K. Mitchell; and a great number of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Pallbearers include Chris Addison, Tom Campbell, Derroll Herzog, Gary James, Harry Kolkhorst, and James Schroeder. Honorary pallbearers include Lauren Nettles, Spencer James, Terry Campbell (special niece and caregiver for many years), Terrance Warmke, Wallace Bosse, Wayne Bosse, Dr. Luke Scamardo, Dr. Mario Lammoglia, and all other cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to Friedens Church of Washington. The family invites you to leave fond memories or kind words at www.noblesfuneral.com.