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“The Great Creator, having in His infinite wisdom, removed our Brother from the cares and troubles of this earthly life, thus severing another link in the fraternal chain by which we are bound together, let us who survive him be yet more strongly cemented by the ties of Brotherly love; that during the brief space allotted to us here, we may wisely and usefully employ our time, and, in the mutual exchange of kind and friendly acts, promote the welfare and happiness of each other”
James Kemp Myers, affectionately known as “Pete”, was a beloved family man, civil servant, and military veteran. James was born to the late James Myers and Delores West on January 19, 1941 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at the age of 79 years-old, James peacefully completed his earthly transition into his heavenly home while surrounded by his loving wife, three devoted sons, daughter-in-law, and one grandson.
Pete was educated in the public school system of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After graduating high school, Pete enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps for a tour of duty from 1960 to 1966 during the Vietnam Era. After honorably serving our great nation, he embarked on civilian employment as a city bus driver.
While working in Philadelphia, James met his first wife, Janie Wray, and from this union two sons, Marcus and Darren, were born. After being a longtime resident of Philadelphia, Pete and his family relocated to Fort Worth and Houston, Texas. During his time in the Lone Star State, James was employed by the U.S. Post Office while earning his Bachelor of Science Degree in Drafting & Design Technology from Texas Southern University. Subsequently, he moved to the Maryland/District of Columbia area, where he worked as an Engineer for the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indian Head, Maryland. In 1993, Pete’s service to the Department of Defense led him to South Carolina, where he worked for the U.S. Air Force 437th Civil Engineer Squadron, Charleston Air Force Base, South Carolina, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, Fort Gordon, Georgia Office. It was during his time in Columbia, South Carolina that James met his current wife, Loreen (Davis), and her two sons, Dwight and Loren Thompson (deceased).
In addition to his time in the Marine Corps, Pete worked for a myriad of agencies within the Department of Defense for over 30 years, attaining the grade of GS-12. During his government service, James was deployed to Iraq for six months, and Afghanistan for a year in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM and OPERATION ENDURING FREEDFOM. His numerous awards and citations include: Army Commander’s Award for civilian service three times, Army Achievement Medal for Civilian Service (twice), Army Corps of Engineers Certificate of Appreciation, Department of the Air Force Certificate of Commendation, the NATO Medal, and the Army Engineer Regiment Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal in which he was most proud. He was also a member of the Society of American Military Engineers. James’ service to Prince Hall Masonry was impeccable for over 40 years, achieving the level of 33rd degree. He was an upstanding member of College Lodge #11 in Columbia (Prince Hall Affiliate), serving as master of the lodge for a brief stint. He was also a current member of Ethiopia Chapter #60 (Prince Hall), C.C. Johnson Consistory #136 (Prince Hall), and Order of the Shrine (Prince Hall). James was also a lifetime member of the member of the VFW Post 4262 and American Legion.
When Pete was spending time serving our country he could be found enjoying a few of his favorite pastimes which included watching sports, old western movies, reading, and hanging out with friends and family. Pete was an avid bowler, belonging to several bowling leagues and participating in numerous bowling tournaments all over the country throughout his lifetime. Pete also enjoyed collecting model trains, military and masonic memorabilia.
In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his stepmother, Mabel Myers; one brother, Willie Myers; and one stepson, Loren Thompson.
James’ loving memory will be cherished by his loving wife, Loreen Myers; three sons, U.S. Army Major Marcus Myers of the Maryland/District of Columbia/Northern Virginia area, Darren Myers (Rachel, Major, U.S. Air Force) of Tucson, AZ, and Dwight Thompson (Karen) of Columbia, SC; one brother, Alvin Myers of Philadelphia, PA; three sisters, Marcia Cooper of Newark, Delaware, Linda Brown (Vincent) of Croydon, PA, and Cheryl Myles (Kevin) of Laurel, MD; nine grandchildren; five great-granddaughters; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
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