James Leonard Bales

james bales

November 3, 1938 ~ September 14, 2023

Born in: De Queen, Arkansas
Resided in: Hughes Springs, Texas

James Leonard Bales was born November 3, 1938 in DeQueen, Arkansas. He passed away September   14, 2023.

James lived 84 healthy and active years until the discovery of cancer in late July.

His life consisted of a diverse variety of occupations. He worked in an ice house, department store, warehouse for Universal Oil Products, pharmaceutical manufacturing company, a coal mine, vice president of a bank in Wyoming where he was instrumental in making his bank one of the first in the state to use ATM’s and other automated technologies, and as a programmer for Caddo and Bossier Parish Sheriff’s department where he went through the academy at 59 years of age and received his badge. After retiring, he continued to work for Bossier Parish as a consultant.

James was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, and his first wife, of 54 years, Betty Goode Bales.

He is survived by his daughter, Jaime Jefferson and husband Mike of Shreveport, Louisiana; son, Jerry Bales and wife Carla of San Francisco, California; second wife, Melba Britt-Bales of Hughes Springs, Texas; grandchildren, Emily of Shreveport, Louisiana, Ava and Nathalie of San Francisco, California, Lindsey of Kalispell, Montana; plus many nephews and nieces, including one special nephew, Royce Page and wife Teresa of Shreveport, Louisiana.

James loved his family, friends, cruising, and cooking gumbo. The main dish at his and Melba’s wedding was gumbo and he never turned down a bowl of Blue Bell. He was a generous man… he loved helping the community and anyone in need. He once gave a homeless man in Alaska the coat off his back.

James and Betty lived in various locations throughout the United States. settling in Shreveport as their final designation, until her untimely death in 2014. In 2015 he went on the internet and found Melba. They were married in December of that same year. He has since made Hughes Springs his home because he fell in love with the community and it’s people.

James put God before all things. He was an ordained deacon in Wyoming for many years. He had a beautiful voice and used it to sing God’s praises anytime he had a chance. He was a member of Summer Grove Baptist Church in Shreveport.

James will be missed. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. We love you James!

Services for Mr. Bales will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, September 17, 2023 at Reeder-Davis Chapel in Hughes Springs. There will be a time of visitation starting at 1:30p.m. Sunday at the funeral Home.  There will be a private family burial held at Hill Crest Memorial Park in Haughton, Louisiana, under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Hughes Springs.

Services

Visitation: September 17, 2023 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Reeder-Davis Funeral Home - Hughes Springs
1213 Hanes Blvd
Hughes springs, TX 75656


Funeral Ceremony: September 17, 2023 2:00 pm

Reeder-Davis Funeral Home - Hughes Springs
1213 Hanes Blvd
Hughes springs, TX 75656


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  1. Candle 7Dear Melba,
    So sorry about James’ passing. I always enjoyed seeing you and James when I was in town or at class of 65 get togethers.
    Sincerely,
    Jimmy Davis

  2. Candle 5James was always a constant in my life. He was a cousin, and always seemed to be there with encouragement, a joke, or help when it was needed. He lived a full life, never backing away from a challenge. My deepest condolences to Melba, and to Jaime and Jerry. James will be missed.


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