James Weldon Passmore, 70, of Athens, Texas went to be with his heavenly father on January 6, 2018. He was born July 9, 1947 in Beaumont, Texas to J.W. Passmore and Ruby Passmore
In 1966 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and then was transferred to the Marines as a Corpsman. He served in Viet Nam until 1970 when he was honorably discharged. He received two Purple Hearts as result of injuries received during service.
After discharge from the Marines, he moved to Huntsville, Texas. There he studied at Sam Houston State and worked as an X-ray tech. In 1970 he married his wife Linda Spivey. James and Linda had two sons, Stephen and John.
After graduating from Sam Houston with a double major in History and Biology, James held various positions with U.S. Post Office and FMC. In 1986 the family moved to Athens, Texas where James managed the Argon Bristol Meyers Squibb facility. In 1993 He left employment with Argon to start a new medical device company, FutureMatrix Interventional, Inc. From 1993 to 2015, under Mr. Passmore’s leadership as Chairman and CEO, FutureMatrix grew from nine employees to over 400 and became a significant medical device developer and manufacture. The company manufactures several proprietary medical devices invented by the Company, which have greatly helped physicians in vascular procedures.
During this same time, Mr. Passmore became dedicated to giving back to the community by helping people get jobs that otherwise might be unemployable. This also included feeding the hungry and providing clothes and shelter to others. Training these people and helping them become stable members of the community with a strong emphasis on Christian values at the work place and away. James was a long-time member of Eastern Hills Church of Christ where he worked on various ministries, including Meals of Kindness, Jail Ministry and Willing Hands Ministry. James also loved to teach Sunday school and Bible classes. He also led bible studies at FutureMatrix. In 2011 James and Linda Passmore started Athens Soup Kitchen which provides free meals to the needy of Athens and operates on donations and volunteers from throughout the community.
Mr. Passmore was a loving, dedicated husband, father and grandfather which will be greatly missed. He loved participating in sports with his two sons, including coaching youth baseball, and other events involving his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Linda Passmore, son Stephen Passmore of Athens, daughter in law Emily, son john Passmore and daughter in law Shannon, grandchildren Ashley Beenie (Jonathan), Joseph Ryan Passmore, Ruthie Passmore, Gracie Passmore, Emma Passmore, Christian Passmore and Lanie Passmore; great grandchildren Makinlee Beenie, Gracie Beenie and Raelynn Beenie; nieces and nephews Susan Smith (Andrew) Paul and Michael. Other family members Gary and Alice McConathy, Denise and Mike Vickers, Rhonda Glena, Amber Vickers, Kristal Allen and Rene Glena.
He was preceded in death by his parents, J. W. and Ruby Passmore and sister Bonnie Norsworthy.
Visitation will be Tuesday January 9, 2018 5-7 p.m. at Eastern Hills Church of Christ, Athens, Texas.
Funeral services will be Wednesday January 10, 2018 2 p.m., at Eastern Hills Church of Christ, Athens, Texas. Interment will be at Athens City Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Stephen Passmore, John Passmore, Sam Alford, Allen Boswell, Freddie Paul and Ramon Castaneda
Memorials or donations may be made to: Athens Soup Kitchen P.O. Box 1436 Athens, Texas 75751, Boles Home and Disciples Clinic.
Arrangements by Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home.