James Risinger, Sr.

Memorial services for James Risinger,Sr.,  66, of Nacogdoches, will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, November 6, 2021, at Laird Funeral Home. 

James Leon Risinger, Sr. passed away on November 1, 2021, in Nacogdoches, Texas, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on November 5, 1954, in Conroe, Texas, to Norris Risinger and Joyce Needham. James grew up with his three brothers whom he was very close with. As a young man, he worked very hard, picking up odd jobs of all kinds to help bring home money. This ethic of diligence to provide for his loved ones followed into his adult life and shaped the man that he became. Throughout his adult life, James worked as an electrician and could finish any project that involved working and building with his hands.

In 1974, James met the love of his life, Mary “Kathy”, whom he spent the next 45 years building a family with. Throughout their relationship, James would leave messages for Mary ending with a special memento, a whistle. Kathy first heard this whistle from the backseat of a moving car as she was walking to a friend’s house. When she arrived and opened the front door, there stood James who immediately asked if she heard his whistle – his whistling would be something they shared as a special bond for the rest of their lives. From that moment on, they were inseparable and were married 8 months later. On January 26, 1975, in Spring, Texas, at House of Faith, James and Kathy were married through Pastor David Sawyer. Together they had four beautiful children; James Leon Risinger, Jr., Jonathan Peter Risniger, Donna Elizabeth Risinger Humphrey, and Kelly Renee Risinger Woods. No matter what life threw at his family, James’ support and love never wavered. He was so proud of his children and the people they grew up to be. Even if he didn’t completely agree with their choices in life, his children knew that their father had their back incessantly.

Family was of the utmost importance to James. He never missed a family gathering, cookout, or birthday; he loved cake! Once his children grew up and started their own families, he never failed to stay close and would travel far and wide to see them. He loved his grandchildren deeply and could keep them entertained for hours with his endless supply of jokes and goofy demeaner. James was an easygoing and calm man; he was always happy and ready to flash his smile at any time!

James left his family with hearts full of love and warmth. His kindness, strength, and perseverance for his loved ones will never be forgotten.

James is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy Risinger; sons, James (Jimbo) Leon Risinger, Jr. and wife, Belinda, and Jonathan Peter Risinger; daughters, Donna (Donna Lou) Elizabeth Humphrey and husband, Jason, and Kelly (Baby girl) Renee Woods and husband, Tony; and grandchildren, Kristopher, Nicholas, Isabelle, Tyler, Silas, Ariel, Bradyn, Caleb, Elizabeth, Emily, Abby, Mariah, and Mikayla.

James is preceded in death by his father, Norris Risinger; mother, Joyce Needham; brothers, Gordan Welch, Don Welch, and Eugene Risinger; and grandson, Ethan Palafox.

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