James Allen Barrum

James Allen Barrum passed away peacefully at approximately 6:00 pm on Tuesday September 13th at Conroe Regional Medical Center after a courageous 7 day battle with pneumonia. James was born February 14, 1940, one of three children to Henry and Augusta Barrum of Beaumont, Texas where he graduated from Beaumont French High School. He attended Lamar University on a basketball scholarship where he was a four year letterman and Small College All American. He went on to become the first ever inductee into the Lamar Cardinal Hall of Honor. Upon graduation, he received written invitations from three separate professional basketball franchises, but elected to forgo that opportunity in pursuit of a professional career in education. He graduated in 1962 with a B.S. degree in Physical Education from Lamar University, and in 1964, he completed his Masters in Educational Administration from Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches. In 1969, he consummated his educational pursuit by earning his Doctorate degree in Counseling and Guidance from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. In 1969, he moved his family to Huntsville, Texas and began his career in Criminal Justice as a professor at Sam Houston State University. Following 38 years of dedicated service to the university, he retired in July of 2007. He is survived by his wife Trinell; his sons, James and his wife Diane, Craig and his wife Michele and Chad Barrum and his wife Nancy. Six beautiful grandchildren Holden, Hannah, Harper, Avery, Palmer and Logyn Barrum. He was preceded in death by his daughter Robyn and a sister, Mary Jo Barrum. James touched the lives of those he met with his smile and generosity while maintaining his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end. Friends and family of those he loved are invited to attend a visitation on Thursday September 15, 2011 at Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. with a rosary service to immediately follow. A Memorial Service will be held Friday, September 16, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Huntsville. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Robyn Leigh Barrum Memorial Scholarship Fund at Sam Houston State University. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.shmfh.com

James Allen Barrum

February 14, 1940 - September 16, 2011