Jim Pledger

James Thompson Pledger, Jr., 88, of Orange, died Thursday, March 11, 2021, at Baptist Hospital in Beaumont.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 15, 2021, at First United Methodist Church in Orange, with Reverend Lani Rousseau officiating.

Born in El Campo, Texas, on December 1, 1932, Jim was the son of James Thompson Pledger, Sr. and Lillie Oblegonner Pledger. Jim graduated summa cum laude from the University of Texas, Chemical Engineering Class of 1956. After graduating, he proudly served in the United States Navy. Jim retired from DuPont Sabine River Works after 37 years, and he enjoyed working for the company immensely during their “golden years”. He served as a deacon of First Baptist Church in Orange for 50 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed the outdoors, often going hunting and fishing. Jim loved living in Orange and he especially loved the people of Orange.

Jim is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Joanne Pledger; beloved sister, Jean Anne Sorensen of Edna; beloved sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jackie and Phillip Grooms of Orange; beloved nieces, Dyanne Kimmel and husband Ike of Houston, Debra Lea Grooms of Houston, Karen Hoskins and husband Brent of Weimer; beloved nephews, David Taylor Grooms and wife Melinda of Katy, Michael Sorensen and Russell Sorensen of Edna; most beloved great nieces, Katharine Kimmel and Anna Lea Kimmel of Houston, Rachel Grooms of Louisville, KY; and most beloved great nephews, Evan Phillip Grooms, Davis Taylor Grooms, and Ross Isaac Kimmel, all of Houston.

Honorary Pallbearers are Ebb Moore, Roy Orta, and Gordon Corbell.

He loved, and was loved in return.