The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

James Berry DeLoach, Jr., passed away Sept. 11, at Catherine's Hospital, after a long battle with an illness. He is now happy with his Lord, and family in heaven.

James was born March 15, 1963 to James Berry DeLoach, Sr. and Madgielean Ruth Hobdy DeLoach, in Winnfield, La. The family moved to Orange when he was four years old. At a young age he dedicated his life to Christ and became an active member of Starlight Baptist Church, in Orange.

James completed his high school education at West Orange-Stark High School in 1981. He was a longtime, loyal member of the Gate City Lodge #31 Masons, in Orange, becoming a Master Mason. He attended Prairie View A&M University, in Prairie View. During his education, he was class a photojournalist, and perfected his art for the school newspaper, and fellow students.

He then served our country in the U.S. Navy as Chaplain's assistant and protector. Most of his service was at Great Lakes Naval Center in N. Chicago, Il. In 1992 he completed his service, receiving an honorable discharge, and relocated to Kenosha, Wi.

He worked at Wal Mart photography studio for several years and went back rot school in 1997. He attended Gateway Tech for two years for graphic art and photography, and began his own photo studio, Artistic Expressions. He joined Second Baptist Church, helped teach Sunday school and did photography work for his parishioners at events.

He met his good friend, Linda Bergstrom in 1992, and together they raised two sons - James Berry DeLoach III, and Robert M. Bergstrom.

James was preceded by his mother, and twin sister, Veronica Una.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his father, James Berry DeLoach, Sr.; sister, Jacqueline E. DeLoach Rachal, of Orange; friends, Linda Bergstrom and Ernest Coleman; their sons, James and Robert; niece, Victoria Rachal, of Beaumont; Uncle, Sebron (Tonitte) DeLoach, of Shreveport, La.; Aunt, Margaret (Perry) Hollingsworth, of Winnfield, and a hbost of cousins and friends.