Jim Bethea

Jim Bethea, 70, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Jim was born Feb. 25, 1942, in Fort Smith, Ark. to J.W. Bethea and Hope Riner Bethea. He led a happy childhood in Arkadelphia, Ark. He was bright student and very involved in his school. He graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a degree in pre-medicine. After college he moved to Little Rock, Ark. to attend the University of Arkansas medical school. While there he met and married Ann Lux. Jim served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force, and was stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in California. As newlyweds, Ann and Jim had some of their fondest memories of their time spent together in California. After completion of his medical training in otolaryngology, Jim and Ann and their daughters called Longview home. Jim was in practice for over 25 years in the community of Longview, Texas. In addition to his work, he was a very active member of Trinity Episcopal Church where he served as an usher and was on the Vestry. In what little spare time he had, he enjoyed sailing and woodwork. They made many lifelong friends in Longview. Upon retirement, Jim and Ann happily moved to Fort Worth, Texas to be near their daughter and granddaughters. Jim spent these retirement years as Popie to his granddaughters. He enjoyed his time gardening, visiting the museums and the symphony, and spending time with his family. His patience and quiet, kind personality will be deeply missed by many. He was preceded in death by both of his parents; his wife, Ann, and daughter, Jamie. Survivors: daughter and son-in-law, Bill and Christy Brammer of Fort Worth; and granddaughters, Claire and Margaret. Greenwood Funeral Home, 3100 White Settlement Rd., 817-336-0584.