James William Rouse Jr.'s Obituary
James William Rouse, Jr. was born on July 13, 1944 to James William Rouse, Sr. and Melva Turnbow, and passed away on April 7, 2022. Our family will always cherish James, or Paw Paw as we all knew and loved him, as the kindest man with the biggest heart. His affection for us was always apparent. When he loved, he loved big. We will never forget his joyful spirit and propensity for lists, but mostly we will never forget the way he made us feel. His warmth was contagious and his laugh, infectious.
James married the love of his life, Debbie, in 1999, after meeting through a mutual friend in the Scuna Deer Club in Coffeeville, MS, of which he was a longtime member. James and Debbie balanced one another out perfectly, and approached their lives with humor and love, always love. Their blended family is inspiring. James was the most loving and supportive father to his children, Lisa Canon (David), Jamie Rouse (Kati), Christine Wheeler (Jody), Michael King (Cassie), and Tyson King (Wesley). His children always knew that their dad would be there for them no matter what life brought. His “Jamesisms” will carry on as life lessons for his children and for their children.
Paw Paw loved his grandchildren and great grandchild fiercely and sweetly. Paw Paw and Grandma’s pool was a favorite gathering place for Allison McCarty (Mike), Nolen McCarty, Emily Canon, Suzanne Canon (Shannon), Jacqueline Wheeler, Jeff Wheeler, Allie Rouse, Thomas Rouse, and Louie King. Paw Paw was the ultimate pool and yard whisperer. We often joked that he cut the lawn with scissors and a ruler.
James leaves his siblings behind holding happy memories of their time together: Frank Rouse (Nancy), Randy Rouse, Gary Rouse, Robin Rouse, Scott Rouse and Shawn Rouse. He was preceded in death by his siblings Gerald Rouse (Ellen), Wanda Foster, and Leah Rouse. James had many fond memories of his cousins, nieces and nephews, and spent many happy times with his brothers and sisters in law.
After attending Kingsbury High School in Memphis, TN, James, Gerald, and Frank worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for 40+ years. James’s coworkers on the railroad knew him as Rooster. Their membership in the union formed them as people and allowed them to fight for their rights as workers.
James will forever be with us as we continue his legacy of love. Anytime we learn a lesson in history, drink an unsweetened tea with mint, eat Jack Pirtle’s chicken, or watch a western we will think of his joy, his hugs and his pats. Our memories of him will grow and expand like his love for us. How lucky we were to call him ours.
In lieu of flowers remembrances may be made in the form of contributions to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Friends for Life, or Shriners Hospitals.
Visitation will be on Friday April 15, 2022 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm with a celebration of life beginning at 1:00 pm at Memorial Park Funeral Home, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38120 with Rev. Wayne Randolph officiating. A reception will follow at Evergreen Presbyterian Church, 1567 Overton Park Avenue, Memphis, TN 38112.
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