James ‘Jim’ Ellis Seward, 89, a lifetime Brownwood resident went to be with his Lord Jesus on January 18, 2014.  His grave site service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 21st, at Rocky Creek Cemetery under the direction of Netherton Funeral Home.  Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, January 20th, at the funeral home.

Jim was born in his farm home in Brown County on November 7, 1924 to Burl and Bessie Lee Seward.  He married the love of his life, Connie Louise Graves on October 20, 1945; they enjoyed 68 wonderful years of marriage.

Always blessed with the ability to run heavy machinery, Jim drove a tractor for area farmers from the age of 13.  During WWII he drove tankers from Odessa to Kansas in preparation for the Doolittle Raids.  Jim would go on to work for the Texas State Department of Transportation, where he supervised the work in 9 counties.  After 32 years he retired to start his own construction business.

After retiring a second time, Jim and Louise traveled the country hunting, fishing, and playing Country/Western and Gospel music.  From Turkey, Texas to the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado, choruses could be heard deep into the night.

Jim was always active in the Church in various leadership roles.  He was ordained as a deacon at Calvary Baptist Church in 1967, and served at Grosvenor Baptist Church until his death.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Bill Seward.  He is survived by his wife, Connie Louise; daughter Ann Bodenhamer of Brownwood; son David Seward and wife Sylvia of Brownwood; grandson James Bodenhamer and wife Brook of Fredericksburg; grandson Jack Bodenhamer and wife Kim of Waco.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Grosvenor Baptist Church.

Friends and family members are invited and encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.nethertonfuneralhome.com.