James Vesper

James Louis Vesper, 73, of Brenham, husband of Bev Vesper, died August 29, 2009 in St. Joseph Regional Health Center in Bryan after a brief battle with cancer. Jim was born August 31, 1935 in Litchfield, Illinois toJohn and Mamie Bentrup Vesper. He was a graduate of Staunton High School, and served his country in the U. S. Army. After completion of his military service, Jim enrolled at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois where he received a B. S. in Geology. Jim worked for the State of Illinois for a couple of years, and then went to work for the Social Security Administration as a field representative. His unique compassion for others and insight were well-suited for this job. He remained there until his retirement in 1990. Jim and Bev were married June 15, 1973 in Mt. Vernon, Ill, and moved to Brenham in July of 1981. Hunting pheasants in South Dakota, fishing at Table Rock, duck hunting at Batchtown were all favorites of Jim. He also enjoyed bowling and golf. He believed strongly in service to others, especially if it involved kids. Jim was a Past Exalted Ruler of the Brenham Elks Lodge, as well as a member of the Moose, Armvets, American Legion, and the Optimist Club. Preceding him in death were his parents, three brothers, Melvin died in infancy, Glen, and John. Survivors include his wife, Bev Vesper; two sons Roy Allen and Scott Jay Waters; daughter Tracie Waters and special friend Mark Carley; grandsons Brandon Michael and Joshua Scott Waters; sisters and brother-in-law Joanne and Herb Huebner of Fresno, California; Mary and Denis Karnosky of Burlington, Wisconsin; sister-in-law Pat Vesper of Staunton, Ill.; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Nelson and Connie Fetgatter of Pasadena, Tx.; sister-in-law Idella Fetgatter, of Deer Park, Tx. For those who knew Jim, a service of remembrance will be held at the Brenham Elks Lodge, 400 E. Germania, Brenham, Tx. on Thursday, September 3, 2009 at 6:00 p.m., at which time the family will receive visitors. Please dress casually, as Jim himself was most comfortable in his Hawaiian shirts. At Jim''s request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Texas Elks Children''s Services, 1963 FM 1586, Gonzales, Tx. 78629, in his memory. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main, Brenham. 979 836-4564. To view the obituary online or to post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.