James David Rose

A memorial service for James David Rose will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Glenwood Church of Christ, Tyler, Texas. James passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2023. He was born January 25, 1946, in St. Albans, England, to PFC Donald C. May, an American G.I., and Mary Theresa Kennelly, a citizen of Ireland. Records show that James and his mother came to the U.S. on the USS Bridgeport when he was 6 months old, along with other war brides and their children. On September 25, 1956, James was adopted by his aunt and uncle, Lazelle and Bert Rose. He also acquired a new big brother, David Louis Rose, as part of the deal. He and his brother grew up at Highland Church of Christ, Abilene. James was baptized at Highland in the summer of 1961. James and Gloria Ritchey met in the youth group at Highland, and the rest is history. They were married by Brother E. R. Harper in the Highland chapel on July 1, 1966. They were blessed with the adoptions of a daughter, Marcy Deann Rose, and a son, Trevor Mark Rose. Most recently grandchildren, Henry and Madeline came and filled their hearts. James graduated from Cooper High School in 1964. He joined the Navy Reserve about a year later, spending 2 years on active duty, 4 years on Selected Reserve, and 2 years on Standby Status. He was in the medical corps and cared for wounded Marines and sailors in the Corpus Christi base hospital. James attended Abilene Christian College and Texas Tech. He became interested in banking while he worked part time as a teller at Lubbock National Bank. James enjoyed going to work in virtually every job he had--from banking to president of the Better Business Bureau in Abilene, to representing Herald of Truth Ministries. His work with Herald of Truth involved traveling to visit with donors, many of whom were elderly and had been donating to the ministry from its inception. James took his toolkit on those trips because he often found some little repair that needed to be done--a faucet tightened or something that was easy for him to do but that his older host couldn’t take care of. He was never turned away and was usually asked to share a meal or a piece of pie. He could have written a book about those experiences. It was rewarding work. One of his most memorable tasks at Herald of Truth was chauffeuring Brother Juan Monroy of Madrid, Spain, during a visit in Abilene. Juan is known as a vivacious evangelist and proved to be an entertaining passenger. James also worked for Christ’s Haven Children’s Home in Keller, Texas, sharing their story with service clubs and churches in the community. He was active in Rotary Club for many years. James remained a part of the Church of Christ throughout his life. He was a member of the Glenwood church during the years they have been in Tyler. James was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Sean Douglas Permenter. He is survived by Gloria, his wife of 56 years; his children, Marcy Rose and Trevor Rose; his daughter-in-law, Courtney Rose; grandchildren, Henry and Madeline; brothers, David Rose and Chris May; sister, Debbie Clifton; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Memorials may be made to Christian Homes and Family Services, 5476 Hollytree Dr, Tyler, TX; The Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, Texas 75701; or High Plains Children’s Home, P.O. Box 7448, Amarillo, Texas 79114. Thanks to Stewart Family Funeral Home for their assistance.

James David Rose

January 25, 1946 - February 7, 2023