James T. Quilter

James T. "Jim" Quilter, age 87, of West, passed away early Tuesday morning, June 18, 2013 at his residence. A rosary will be recited and Memorial Mass celebrated 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Jim was born October 16, 1925 in Shreveport, Louisiana the son of Jerry Leon and Palestine Elizabeth (Presley) Quilter. He attended Texas City High School; St. Mary's University in LaPorte; St. Mary's Seminary; and received a master's degree in Theology from St. Thomas University in Houston. He was ordained a Priest on May 26, 1956 in Austin and served in Sealy and West. While at West he started the athletic program and coached the St. Mary's football team. James was a Real Estate Broker and operated Quilter Realty since 1972. He was associated with the Village Bakery and the Village Shoppe for many years. Jim bought out Keen's Department Store in West and renamed it the Emporium in West, operating it for 10 years. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption. Jim was also a member of the K.J.T. in Sealy and S.P.J.S.T. Lodge #54 in West. He enjoyed fishing, traveling and going to the movies, classical music, opera and all sporting events. Jim is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Maurice Quilter and Jerry Quilter; and sisters, Mattie Haney and Elizabeth Gassner. Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Gladys (Morris) Quilter of West; a brother, Charles Quilter; a sister-in-law, Lucille Price; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Urn Bearers will be Dr. Billy D. Pierce, Andrew Jackson, Daniel Pratka, George Meurer and Buddy Haney. Honorary urn bearers will be the St. Mary's School Football Team coached by James. The family of James deeply appreciates the loving care and prayers from all in the community of West. We especially would like to thank Rev. Ed Karasek, Rev. Boniface Onjefu, George Meurer, Sandra Daily, Joyce Beaubien, and Providence Hospice for the constant love and compassion to our family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's School Endowment Fund, West Volunteer Ambulance Association or West Senior Center.