James Jarrell Sanderson

James Jarrell Sanderson Sr., 82, of Galveston, went to join the Lord and his beloved Mary Frances on Wednesday, May 24th, 2017. He is finally home and at peace, without any more pain.

“The Greeks didn’t write obituaries…They only asked one question after a man died…Did he have passion?” Jimmy Sanderson had passion.

Jimmy was B.O.I.- born on Galveston Island, Texas on May 11, 1935 and never moved away. He attended Ball High School. He worked on the waterfront for the ILA-International Longshoreman’s Association AFL-CIO for over 50 years. When Jimmy retired at 50 he attended college for the first time at the University of Houston, graduating with honors. He then went on to attend law school at the University of Houston as well.

Everybody knew Jimmy’s voice. He was known as Froggy as a child for his deep voice. They called him Wolman Jack. He was “The Big Fish.” Jimmy was a great storyteller. You never knew if it was true or make believe, but you did not care; it was entertaining. He was great at numbers and could count cards. He liked to draw and build. He made the best bar-b-que from his specially designed pits.

Jimmy never met a stranger. His house was your house and you were always welcome. Whether to play stop by and chat, play UNO, whatever. Once he met you he kept in touch with you. You went into his Rolodex.

Jimmy never missed anything or any fun. He lived hard, worked hard and enjoyed life. He loved Las Vegas, The Bahamas, Los Angeles, New York City, The Jersey Shore, Cincinnati, Chicago, Oklahoma, and even San Francisco.

Jimmy was a tough man but he had a heart of gold. He would give you the shirt off of his back even if he had nothing. He was a romantic and a very loving man. He was one of the last of an old school Galveston breed and will be missed by so many.

He is survived by his long-time, loving companion and friend, Marcella Botello, who was with him when he passed; his sons, James Sanderson Jr. and Ronnie Sanderson; his daughters and sons-in-law, Sandy Sanderson and Gary Siller, and Casey and Clay Robertson; and his cherished grandchildren, Micah and Noah Robertson. He was very proud of them. He had many nieces and nephews and loving friends who were his extended family, including William “B.B.” Nelson, Sr., William “Billy” Nelson, Jr., Floyd Simons, Bobo Conde, Willie Omara, and Jimbo Carr.

Funeral service will be 1:00 pm, Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Malloy & Son Funeral Home, with burial following at Galveston Memorial Cemetery in Hitchcock next to Mary Frances Sanderson, finally to be “Together Forever.”

“Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he is alive and not after he is dead.” I think most people did that with Jimmy Sanderson. He loved and was loved dearly. He will be missed so very much.