James Michael Whitten passed away on Friday, June 26, 2009. He was born on November 11, 1942, in Sinton, Texas. He is survived by his wife, Helen, his children, Allison of Houston and William of Kerrville, and his sister, Susan Edwards of Corpus Christi. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Isabel Whitten of Odem.

Jim was a 1960 graduate of Odem High School, a 1964 graduate of the University of Texas, and a 1966 graduate of the University of Texas School of Law. After graduating from law school he joined the United States Air Force, where he attained the rank of Captain. Jim served as a JAG and reparations officer during the Vietnam War. After returning from Vietnam in 1970, Jim opened the Law Offices of James M. Whitten in Sinton. In 1983 he opened an office in Corpus Christi. Jim loved the practice of law and practiced in South Texas for 43 years. Jim was a Fellow of the State Bar of Texas and a member of the Corpus Christi and San Patricio Bar Associations. He also served as Chairman of the District 11-B Grievance Committee from 1983-1988 and City Attorney for the city of Odem.

Jim was a loving father and husband. His love of life, wisdom, and guidance will be greatly missed by all of his family members and friends.

Jose S. “El Chapote” Garcia, 56, lifelong resident of Odem, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 20th, 2009, after a short battle with cancer.  He was a retired employee of San Patricio County Precinct 2.  Jose had a love for animals and was exceptionally proud of his grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father, Manuel Garcia, Jr; and sisters Estella Garcia and Jesusita Perez.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Gloria Garcia of Odem; 3 daughters: Norma (David) Villalobos of Taft, Patricia (Armando) Lira and Monica (George) Garcia, of Odem; 2 sons: Joe Manuel Garcia and Anthony Garcia of Odem; his mother: Micaela Garcia of Odem; one sister: Elda Garcia of Odem; 2 brothers: Milton (Nora) Garcia and Steven Garcia of Odem; 11 beloved grandchildren; and many friends and relatives.

Epifanio “Seran” Perez, Sr., 94, went home to be with our Lord on June 13, 2009, at his residence surrounded by his loved ones.  

He was born on November 14, 1914.  He was a life-long resident of Sinton. Epifanio worked in road construction for many years with B & E Construction, J. Carroll Weaver Construction and San Patricio County Pct. 1.  He was a loving father, compassionate grandfather and lenient great-grandfather.  He was an avid sports fan. He loved watching the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Astros; but above all, his pride and joy was a being a devoted Sinton Pirate fan.   His sense of humor will be missed by all.  The memories he leaves behind, along with his faith in God, leaves us all with endless treasures.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Maria Ramos and Margarito Perez; his wife, Petra M. Perez; and his brother, Gilbert Perez.  

He was survived by his children: Juanita Sepulveda of Corpus Christi, Eppie Perez  and Judge Yolanda (Fidencio) Guerrero of Sinton; one sister, Olivia Torres of Sinton; a cousin, Marcela Perez of Sinton; and one niece, Maria Balderaz of Odem; 13 grandchildren: Armando Gomez of Portland, Veronica Gomez of Sinton, Angela Gomez of Lexington, Virginia, Michael Perez of La Marque, Patti Perez of Austin, Emma and Elisa Perez of Sinton, Olga and Elvia Villegas of Corpus Christi, Johnny and Joe Sepulveda of Corpus Christi; two step-grandchildren: Fidencio, III and Rosanna Guerrero of Sinton; 13 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.

Dwayne "Butch" Gaines, 66, of Port Aransas, Texas went to be with the Lord on June 10, 2009.  He was born February 16, 1943 to the late Travis and Ila Gaines of Seadrift, Texas.  Dwayne was a Life Member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Fellowship of Christian Cowboys.  He is survived by his daughter, Connie Prewitt and husband Michael of Norfolk, Virginia.  A private burial ceremony will be held in Port Aransas.  Services entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home in Sinton, Texas.