JAMES RANSOM

James Luster Ransom was born on Thursday, Dec. 7, 1933, in Freestone County.

He was born to Leester and Bettie High Ransom. His mother died when he was just 2 1/2 years old.

Thus, leaving him to be spoiled immensely by her sisters, his aunts, who thought he could do no wrong. His mother was the twin sister of Bennie High.

Bennie’s daughter Valeria High Bollin and James shared a close bond. James was the grandson of Will and Mattie Tatum High and Walter and Elizabeth Smith Ransom. With each of his parents having about 10 siblings each, he had well over 20 aunts and uncles to continue the spoiling throughout adulthood.

When his father married Luesettie Thompson Ransom, James gained another mother. Along with this mother, he was blessed with two sisters, Lillian Pearl and Eula Mae Carter.

He grew to love them, and they loved him. They were his protectors. The spoiling continued.

James received his education in the Fairfield ISD and was a Dogan High School Class of 1953 graduate. He was a member of Dogan Wildcat basketball team in 1953, the year the Wildcats were runner-up un the State N.F.A. Tournament.

He wore jersey No. 17 and he was said to be ‘smooth as silk’ because of his prowess on the court. He enlisted in the United States Army shortly after graduation and served during the Korean Conflict from 195355. He was an ambulance driver which proved not to be his favorite duty.

While in high school, he met Mertha Scott from Teague, and they were married on Nov. 12, 1953. They welcomed four children into this union, Bettie Joyce, Joan Patrice, Janice Marie, and James Marcus.

They raised their family in Fairfield and united with Fairfield Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully. He loved the church and served in the position of Finance Treasurer and instituted the Church Building Fund in the 60’s.

He later became a Trustee and eventually became an ordained Deacon. He also loved attending Sunday School and after his vision became impaired, he relied on his sister, Mae, his children, Mertha, and others to read him his lesson before Sunday morning so that he would be prepared to give highlights on the lesson.

His memory of what was read to him was amazing. He not only loved Sunday School, but also singing, praying and the entire church service.

After his mother Luesettie Ransom died, his father married Vivian Stratford Ransom. She became a mother figure for James during his adulthood, and she too continued to spoil him.

She passed away on Nov. 15, 2001. Once again, it was just James and his father, Leester. He was always ‘Baby’ to his father.

He was not big on agriculture or caring for animals; however, he did see that his children had a pet pig, Reddy. When Reddy was big enough to be consumed, he called for his uncle Odell Ransom and Reddy went from pet to dinner.

Nobody would eat Reddy. He later saw to it that his son had a cow for 4-H Club.

That did not work out either. Both he and his son shied away from the cow.

He decided to stay with gardening and always had a huge vegetable garden and even tamed blackberries.

For a while James was employed as a Driver and R ansom TV Repairman for Frederick Hill. He would end the repair work and continue the evening at Hill Ranch.

He was also employed by Freestone County Country Club as what is known today as a mixologist while maintaining his self-employed status for many years. Before dryers were a luxury around town, he welded and installed clothesline poles.

They were made of iron and always painted shiny silver. He is most notably remembered for his expertise as an antenna installer and television repairman.

In the days before cable TV, when TV antennas were necessary, if you lived in Fairfield and surrounding areas and had one, he probably installed it. If your TV needed fixin’ — he probably “fixed” it. If it could not be fixed, he would sell you a new one.

He later became employed by the Texas Utilities Fuel Company. He retired on Sept. 1, 1987, after 11 years of loyal and faithful service and his name was placed on the honor roll of the company.

Although retired, he remained busy. He had a work ethic that would not allow him to sit idle.

He continued to do TV repairs and antenna installations until his children demanded he give it up due to his impaired vision. He began to fill his days with frequent visits to the local banks for his morning coffee, bagging ice at the Corner Store, and spending time at the Senior Center where he had his own special “RESERVED” for J. L. Ransom table.

He was spoiled. James was adventurous. He rode from Fairfield to Houston once on the back of a motorcycle with his friend Alvin Burrell for a short visit.

He loved late night meals at the local restaurants. He enjoyed fishing with his grandson, TJ, riding around town and running errands with his granddaughters, and he loved spending time with family.

Holidays and family meals were spent with his children and family on a regular basis. He never failed to sing and pray and give a “gold” ($) coin or two to those in attendance who were fortunate enough to get there before they ran out.

James provided well for his family. He saw to it that they had everything they needed and most of what they wanted.

Deacon James Ransom entered eternal rest on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at 6:07 PM at Freestone Medical Center.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Lillian Pearl Jesse and Eula Mae Hatcher, and the mother of his children, Mertha Scott Ransom.

Left to cherish his life and legacy are his three daughters: Bettie Joyce Bennett (Aubrey); Joan Patrice Barnes (Donald); Janice Marie Daniels (Larry); one son, James Marcus Ransom (Thelma); 12 grandchildren: Harold Eugene Bennett, Sr., Aubrey Gerrod Bennett (Kenetria), Carmesha Strawther, Justin Ryan Bennett (Erika), Courtnee Strawther, Chasitee Strawther, Terrance James Bennett (Tasha), Amanda McDonald (Ricky), Korey Marquis Ransom, Chelsea Latrice Strawther, Aliyah Markesha Bell (Walt), Jordan Lee Barnes; 23 great grandchildren: Harold, Jr., Kaylyn, Cameron, Jaylon, Vonte, Shamari, Keydren, Kahron, Kenyon, Aiden, Imani, Jeremiah, Autumn, Brooklynn, Lundyn, Aubree, Kyrie, Emery, Hendrix, Cailynn, Alijah, Maleah, Jaxson; 5 great-great grandchildren: Ivy, Maliyah, Paisley, Princeton, Nylah; goddaughter: Tracy Askey; three sisters-in law: Maye Carroll, Yvonne Gillespie, Debra Housley (Kenneth); three brothers-in-law: Reuben Scott (Gloria), Henry Wayne Scott (Margaret), Tony Scott; three step-sisters: Modine Betts, Willie Jean Crawford, Joyce Ann Stradford; two step-brothers: Randolph Stratford, Boyd C. Stratford, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was loved.