James Staggs

James Edward Staggs, 94, of Texas City went to be with the Lord on August 7, 2018.

Ed was born January 11, 1924 in Buckner, Arkansas. His parents were John Childress Staggs and Rosa Nesbet Staggs. His formative years were spent in Kilgore, Texas, where he graduated from high school and then joined the Army. During W.W.II he served in the 10th Mountain Division Artillery Unit whose campaign in the Apennine Mountains of Italy was pivotal to Germany's surrender.

After the war, Ed returned to Kilgore and attended Kilgore Junior College where he played for the Ranger football team in the First Junior College Rose Bowl. He continued his education and football career at University of Houston graduating with a B.B.A. and Master of Education.

He began his teaching and coaching career when he came to Texas City in 1950. He took the Head Coach position in 1952 for the Stingaree Football Program. In 1959, the Stingarees won their first District Championship and made their first playoff appearance. His greatest honor was the naming of the James Ed Staggs Fieldhouse. For decades after coaching, he supported the Stingarees by attending Friday night football games with former players and friends.

After embarking on his second career as an Insurance Underwriter, he served on the Texas City I.S.D. Board of Trustees for 21 years. He was also a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Rotary Club.

Commitment to his community was important but his greatest passion was his family. While attending Kilgore Junior College he met and fell in love with the beautiful Julia Ann Halliday. They married in Houston in 1948 and had four children. Ed and Judy enjoyed all their children's and grandchildren's various activities from sporting events to dance recitals. They especially treasured the times spent with family and friends in their Arkansas cabin at the Little River Country Club.

Ed was a loyal and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He enjoyed a good joke, golf, gardening, dogs, and cooking breakfast for his family. He will be remembered for his strength of character, resilience, quick wit, and positive attitude.

He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Cal and Otto Staggs; son-in-law James Foster McLendon. He is survived by his wife, Judy, of 70 years; son John Nathan Staggs of Atlanta, GA ; daughter Melanie Staggs McLendon of Georgetown, TX; son Dr. James Edward Staggs II of Texarkana, TX; daughter Merita Staggs Parker and husband Stephen of Clear Lake City, TX; daughter-in-law Suzanne Staggs of League City TX; grandchildren John Charles Staggs, Julia Buller Warren, Garrett Gist Parker, Stephen Grant Parker, Jamie Suzanne Staggs, Mason Staggs Parker; and great-grandchildren Abigail Elizabeth Jaimes, Caleb Damon Warren, Amelia Jane Warren, Nathan Aaron Warren.

The visitation will be held on Monday, August 13 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Emken-Linton Funeral Home in Texas City. The Celebration of Life will be held at Emken-Linton Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 14 at 10:00 a.m. and officiated by Rev. Dr. Richard T. Kleiman. Graveside service will be held at the Forest Park East Cemetery in Webster, Texas. The pallbearers include John Charles Staggs, Garrett Parker, Grant Parker, Mason Parker, Stephen Parker, and Bob Barbee. Donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Texas City, Texas.

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