James "Jim" Carter Boone Jr

 

James "Jim" Carter Boone Jr

1937-2024

 

James "Jim" Carter Boone Jr, a pillar of the legal communities in Houston and Palestine, Texas, and a family man known for his jokes, jitterbugging and love of animals, died June 4, 2024, at home in Austin with his children by his side. He was 86.
Jim lived a life of dedication to his family, his community and his country. He proudly served in the U.S. Army before returning home, marrying the love of his life, Chauncey, and raising four children — rarely missing a Sunday at church, a school concert, or sporting event with them.
Jim was born on December 19, 1937, in Houston to James Carter Sr, and Frances Gieseke Boone. He grew up in Houston's Museum District with his brother, Fred, and attended Lamar High School. Jim was known as smart and fun-loving. He learned to jitterbug and had a natural flair for dancing, a talent that made him popular in the dance clubs he joined, in high school and beyond.
After graduating in December 1956, Jim headed to the University of Texas in Austin, where he was a member of the Chi Phi fraternity. Ultimately, he earned his Bachelor of Business at the University of Houston. Influenced by his father, a well-respected Houston attorney, Jim graduated from law school at the University of Houston. Jim was active in ROTC in high school and college and served in Germany at the Karlsruhe military base from 1963 until his honorable discharge as a Captain in 1965. Jim returned home
to Houston and began to prepare for the bar exam.
When mutual friends introduced him to Emily Chauncey Barrett, known as Chauncey, he was instantly smitten. They had only known each other for a couple of months when he asked her on a date to a drive-in movie. He brought with him a six-pack of beer, a bag of popcorn and much to her surprise — an engagement ring!
The couple married on February 5, 1966, at St. John the Divine Episcopal Church in Houston.
Jim joined his father's law practice, Boone & Boone Attorneys at Law.
Jim and Chauncey welcomed four children in quick succession, two boys and two girls. He was an amazing and engaged father who cheered his children on in all they did. The family moved to Palestine in 1979, where he started a solo law practice. His children recall spending happy weekends and summers boating and water skiing at Crystal Lake Hunting and Fishing Club.
Jim was a big animal-lover and the family home always had rescue cats and dogs and even a Welsh pony named Dusty.
Both Jim and Chauncey loved to be social and were members of the Allegro Social Club in
Houston and the Houston Racquet Club. He counted down the days each year until Mardi Gras when he celebrated with the Mystic Krewe of Revelry in Palestine. They were named king and queen of the Mardi Gras in 1984.
Jim was also a member of the Masons, the Shriners Royal Order of Jesters - both the Houston Court #136, Arabia Temple, and Tyler Court #168, the Rose Court.
Jim was very involved at his church, St. Philip's Episcopal in Palestine, where he served as an
elder and served on the Vestry.
Jim was dedicated to his legal practice and continued to work until his early 80s. Chauncey died in 2020 after more than 54 cherished years of marriage. Jim then moved to Austin to be closer to his children, who adored him.
He set a strong example of love, hard work and commitment for his children, who find great comfort in their memories of the long and meaningful life Jim lived.
He is survived by his daughters, Emily Chauncey Boone and her fiancé Ronald Shane Adamek of Dime Box, Texas and Sara Hartley and her husband David G. Hartley of Austin; sons, James Carter Boone, III of Boerne, Texas and John Barrett Boone and his wife, Traci Bannert of Cedar Park, Texas; three grandchildren, Emma Lea Boone, James Carter Boone, IV and John Barrett Boone, Jr.
Jim is also survived by three nieces and a nephew and their children: Brittany Boone McDowell, Frederick Joseph Boone, Jr, Alicia Boone Avila, and Andrea Boone Chapman. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Frederick Joseph Boone.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 15, 2024, at St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Palestine. The Reverend Ted Welty will be officiating. A reception will follow in the parish hall. The family will hold a private graveside interment.
Instead of flowers, Jim's family asks for those wishing to make a donation in his honor to do so through BARC - The Humane Society of Palestine, Texas, or the Shriners Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas.
To view online leave condolences or sign the guest book go to www.baileyandfosterfuneralhome.com.