James William Stratton

James William Stratton was born March 29, 1939 in Liberty Texas to Paul and Eula Stratton. They began their life in Devers, Texas but soon moved with sister Kathy Stratton Sykes to nearby Winnie Texas. His parents instilled in him a strong work ethic and a love for the outdoors. He grew up amongst the rice fields with the Devilliers, Prejeans and Emenhisers. Those friendships became lifelong bonds over the years and he considered Larry Devillier to be his brother.

James met a beautiful girl, Linda Silcox from Hamshire Texas who sang in the local dance band. He and Linda were married for 57 years and raised three daughters, Joy Turner of Hankamer, Deb Haring of Katy and Janet Bergeron of Winnie. Three girls with three prom’s, homecoming dances, pageants and weddings were what filled the house in Winnie. There were NO boys in the family which meant the girls must fill in the void by watching football on Sundays and deer hunting in the fall. He taught them to work hard and love their community.

In 1973, the lessons continued in life as James and Linda purchased the Western Auto store in Winnie and moved the family back to his childhood hometown. He soon taught their girls all about tires, batteries and anything associated with a hardware store. The store came to life with familiar faces from his childhood as well as new faces. When customers entered the store, they were often met with nicknames and jovial comments. Customers became his friends and family and no task was too great to accommodate them. He enjoyed being a part of his customers lives during the good times and bad. 

 In 1973, he planted the seeds of volunteerism and community deep in each member of his family. He had a penchant for organizing to “leave things better than he found them”! He was excited to see the growth of the Texas Rice Festival and the people who came to see Winnie and all it had to offer. He was active in developing the hospital foundation and served on numerous community boards. He was also active in his church home and loved his bible study group the Geezers. 

He had a clear vision for the future and wanted GREAT things for Winnie, the community and his church. 

He had a life-long love for Butch Freeman’s Banana Pudding and Baskin Robbins Ice Cream. Many a trip was taken to Beaumont with the hope that dad would succumb to the pressure of singing I C E C R E A M as we approached the parlour. Food in general was used as a medicine for anything that ailed him……..Reba’s fudge, Grandma’s dressing…….the list continued if he thought he could guilt them into making him a favorite. He loved a good laugh and a great prank…..and he lived to make them both happen often. 

He had another love of collecting things. Old replica hot rods and antique vehicles, dallas cowboys memorabilia (from Tom Landry’s day) and anything John Wayne. He was waiting patiently for Chevrolet to roll out the latest El Camino and asked monthly about its progress. 

Another great love was his grandchildren, Brooke Kraehnke of Winnie, Blake Turner of Hankamer and Katie and Cole Haring of Katy. He enjoyed the many football, baseball, volleyball and track meets they all participated in. He watched intently as if no one else was on the field. He only had eyes for them. 

Time passed and we increased our family with 3 great grandchildren who inherited his love of the outdoors and mischief; Teal and Kolt Kraehnke of Winnie and Hadley Turner of Hankamer. 

James and Linda did not have sons of their own, but left it up to their girls to add ‘The Boys’ to the family. Joy chose Otho Turner, a farmer from Anahuac to kick off ‘The Perfect Sons Tradition’. Joy did such a great job choosing the first son that she chose Mike Haring for Deb via a blind date. Mike was a sales rep that sold to Stratton’s Western Auto. Janet, having a mind of her own, took a little longer finding the final son. After searching far and wide she found local Winnie boy, Ray Bergeron to complete ‘The Perfect Sons’ package. Following ‘The Perfect Choice Tradition’, Brooke married Jesse Kraehnke and Blake married Brandy Popp Turner.

A gathering of Mr. Stratton’s family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at Broussard’s, 134 W. Buccaneer, Winnie. His funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 1, 2017, at First Baptist Church Hamshire, 25304 TX-124, Hamshire.  

Finally, the family asks that in honor of James that you go out and volunteer and support your community. He loved people and had a clear vision of what our communities could be if we all worked together.