James Edward Aye entered the world on June 20, 1933 in Wheeling, Mo. to his father Ira Aye and his mother Mildred Wilson Aye. He went home to heaven on December 26, 2016.


He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen Lucille Aye, and his father, mother and two sisters, Jean Holloway and Alta Mae.


He is survived by his daughter and son in law, Kathy and Joe Buford. His son and daughter in law John and Vickie Burns. He is survived by 5 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and a loving extended family who will miss him.


James spent his early years on his grandparents farm in Chillicothe, Mo. until the age of 17 when he volunteered for the US Army and was quickly shipped off to the combat zone of the Korean War as a member of the "Screaming Eagles" of the 101st Airborne. He would go on to serve in the US Army as an instructor and ending as Military Police during his 6 years.


Upon discharge he had many pursuits as most young men do. He did everything from race cars, boxing and even some wood working which would be his life's work. He returned to Houston and his father got him a job at Southern Display where he would work for over 40 years building corporate exhibits for high profile clients.


In 1968 he married the love of his life, Helen, and they would remain together until her passing in 2004. He would always tell you his greatest years were when all of the grandchildren were around.


In March of 1987 he passed his test to become a private pilot to realize a dream he had since he was a child and saw those crop duster planes back on the farm. Very few things made him more proud of that accomplishment.


James retired in 2001 as Helen's health declined so he could be closer and help take care of her. He continued to build, consult and stay engaged in the industry he loved and had many friends and colleagues he stayed in touch with over the retirement years. He loved those relationships so very much and it allowed him to stay part of what he loved so much as his life's work.


In May of this year he finally moved from his home to the Cypress Wood Community in Kingwood, Tx. where he made more friends that he cherished. His time there was short but he was very happy and enjoyed the fellowship with his fellow residences.


He had many interests and passions through his life such as engineering, firearms, ballistics, aviation and of course anything political or current events. His "popisms" were known throughout the family and can be quoted by any of us readily. He inspired so many younger craftsman in his industry and always had a word of wisdom for any friend or family who was facing a challenge and would do so until he went home to be with The Lord and his beloved Helen.