James Edward Westbrook

James Edward Westbrook (known lovingly to family as Sonny and to his “farm” family as Jimmy) passed away peacefully at his home in Crockett on March 16, 2026, at the age of 96.  He was born in Latexo, TX on January 26, 1930 to Robert Lee and Ever Lena Sims Westbrook, being the seventh of eight children.

In 1948, after graduating from Aldine High School, he enlisted in the US Navy.  He served 4 years on a destroyer during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1952.  After his return from military service, he went to work as a millwright at Champion Paper in Pasadena, TX.  It was there where he met and married Jackie Helen Bynum on October 7, 1955, and they completed their family with the addition of two daughters, Anita and Kathy, in the next few years.  Also, during this time, he purchased property in the Holly Community, which became known to all as “the farm”.

After 20 years at Champion, he was able to bring his family back to East Texas.  Although his home was in Crockett, he was able to spend countless hours in the quiet solitude of “the farm”, tending to the land and his cattle.  He was happiest when he was working, especially outdoors.  Whether on the tractor mowing the pasture or on the lawn mower taking care of his yard, James and John Deere were quite the pair.  He always said hard work built character – if this is true, he was some character!

James was always ready and willing to help a friend, neighbor, or stranger whenever there was a need and valued the opportunity to do so.  He was an active and dedicated member of his local church, until his health failed and he was unable to attend.  In his family, he instilled the value of charity and service to others – values that are now embraced by his daughters.  James was much loved by those who knew him and will be greatly missed.

James was preceded in death by his parents, six of his siblings – Dorothy Arnold, Belmont Westbrook, Pauline McClain, Mae Porter, R.L. Westbrook, Jr and Nan Lasater, as well as their spouses; brother-in-law, Leland Lee and son-in-law, David Phillips.  Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 70 years, Jackie Westbrook; daughters, Anita Westbrook and Kathy Phillips; sister, Jan Lee; and several generations of nieces and nephews.

Services for James Westbrook will be held at Callaway-Allee Funeral Home on Friday, March 20, 2026 at 2:00 pm with visitation 1 hour prior to the service.  Pastor Leon Wallace will be officiating.  Burial will follow in the Latexo Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Good Shepherd Fellowship Church, the Latexo Cemetery Association or the charity of your choice.                    

~~ Well done, my good and faithful servant ~~