James Edward Rader

James Edward Rader, 76, of Houston, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2015, surrounded by his family. He was a Valentine’s Baby born on February 14, 1939 in Delaware, Ohio. He grew up in Columbus, Ohio and moved to Houston in 1965. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Judith Davis Rader, their children & grandchildren: John & Melissa Rader Lindner of Dripping Springs, Texas and their children Travis Robert & Laura Lindner and their son Reece Edward, Amanda Layne & Marianne Grace; James & Jill Rader Stewart of Austin, Texas and their children Alexander James & Alaina Noelle; and Kyle & Mary Rader Harrell of College Station, Texas and their children Kyleigh Faith, Davis Austin & Gracen Rader; sister Sandra Lee Gallagher of California, and brother Ronald Gene & wife Phama Rader of Florida. Jim graduated from The Ohio State University in 1962 with a degree in civil engineering and was a long-time member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He was a member of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church and relished the many opportunities this gave him to help others, including leading Bible study classes and serving as an usher for Sunday services. As a 32nd Degree Mason in the Blue Lodge, Scottish Rite & Shrine, Arabia Temple, he became a clown with the Shrine Circus and enjoyed many years of performing in circuses, parades and visiting hospitals & nursing homes. He was very creative & artistic throughout his life, leading him to pursue a variety of hobbies. He had an interest in photography, learned to fly & built a small experimental airplane in the garage, worked with bonsai plants, and enjoyed woodworking and made ornate wooden crosses. These hobbies led him to join many organizations and meet many wonderful friends over the years, including the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, the Houston Bonsai Society, the American Hibiscus Society and the Woodworker’s Club of Houston. He took an active role in activities with his girls, including serving in the PTA at their schools, volunteering as President of their softball league as well as coaching teams and pitchers, and coaching soccer. The Rader family will be present to receive friends for visitation Thursday, March 12, 2015 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a Masonic Service beginning at 7:00 PM at Dettling Funeral Home, 14094 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77079. The funeral service will commence Friday, March 13, 2015 at 10:00 AM at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77079. A reception will follow the service in Friendship Court on the church grounds. Graveside Services will commence Friday, March 13, 2015 at 2:00 PM in the Aggie Field of Honor, 3800 Raymond Stotzer Parkway, College Station, TX 77845. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Caring Forever Foundation at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church or the Shriners Hospitals for Children.

James Edward Rader

February 14, 1939 - March 7, 2015