September 20, 1953 – June 21, 2023
James Ray “Bo” Denson died on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at home in Friendswood, Texas after a valiant battle with cancer.
James was born on September 20, 1953, in Baytown, Texas to Ben Roy and Marjorie (Ellis) Denson. He grew up in Cedar Bayou, Texas, attending Cedar Bayou Baptist Church, Cedar Bayou Junior High, and Sterling High School. He graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in education and journalism, and later completed a Master’s in Education at Texas Southern University. James married JR Saunders on July 27, 2003. He was a confirmed member of the Episcopal Church.
After an extensive career as a teacher and coach, James began a career backstage, working for several years with IATSE Local 51 and the Houston Ballet. After retirement, he enjoyed a successful stint running a busy taxi and delivery service for his children.
James was a songwriter, poet, and raconteur who enjoyed performing and telling his stories to audiences. He loved books, music, and movies. James loved the Houston Astros, cheering or cursing them as their play demanded. Although he enjoyed varying success with his golf game throughout his adult life, he remained dedicated to the game. Primarily, though, he loved spending time with his wife and children.
James is survived by his wife, Jennifer “JR” (Saunders) Denson, children Thomas (15) and Lillian Ray (18) and his brother, Dwight Denson and wife Linda of Arlington, Virginia. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ben Roy and Marjorie Denson of Baytown, Texas and his sister, Barbara Stroud of Palacios, Texas.
James is also survived by nephew Forrest Denson and wife Amy of Fairfax, Virginia, as well as niece Melanie Reza and husband Mosin of Arlington, Virginia. He is also mourned by grand-nephews Cyrus and Ian Denson and Laith and Reed Reza and grand-niece Massey Reza, as well as numerous friends, extensive extended family, and his beloved beagle, Maddie.
Friends are cordially invited to the visitation with the family on Friday, June 30, 2023, from 6:00 P.M – 8:00 P.M. at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home 311 N. Friendswood Dr. Friendswood, Texas 77546 (281) 992-7200. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home with The Rev. David Price officiating. All are welcome to attend and celebrate James's life. The family would like to thank the owners and staff at HomeWell Care Services in League City for their dedication to James’ comfort and peace throughout his end-of-life care.
Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.
8 thoughts on “James Ray "Bo" Denson”
Our deepest condolences. JR our thoughts are with you. Michelle and Albert Garcia
I would like to leave my deepest condolences for the familly. Bo and I played football for Cedar Bayou Jr. High and Ross Sterling High School, and I truly believe that there wasn't anyone faster than him and Russel Clark. God Bless Him…
Our thoughts and prayers to JR, Lillian, and Thomas.
Anisha, Shruti, Anil
So many good memories of the sport programs we participated in throughout our years at Cedar Bayou Junior High and Ross S Sterling High School. Bo and I first met at James Bowie Elementary and became friends. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending healing prayers. Russell Clark
So sorry he had to leave so soon. So many memories of Bo from childhood through adulthood. So many things in common – so much done together. May God grant peace to Bo's family, and comfort at this time of bereavement.
So very sorry to here about the passing of Bo . Prayers to his family . CBJR lots of great memories . R.I.P. BO
My daughter and I were so sorry to hear the news, which my brother-in-law shared with me earlier this week. My husband, Steve Campbell, was a lifelong friend of Bo's. They stayed in touch nearly all of their lives. Steve so enjoyed their conversations — they always made him smile, and would cause him to regale us with fun memories of their shared childhood in Baytown. I'm so very sorry for the loss of Bo. Best wishes to you, JR, Lillian and Thomas.
Coincidentally (or not) Silas decided he wanted to play football in high school shortly after Bo died. I like to think Bo's watching over him and guiding him and keeping him safe. I think Bo would have liked having a nephew to coach.