James Richard Dreese Sr. passed peacefully into the care of angels Monday May 4, 2020.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Fanny Dreese, and his sister, Mary Francis Ray. Jim is survived by his loving wife Betty Ann and spoiled kitty Annie; sons and daughter-in-laws, David, Dan and Mary, Skip and Georgia, Bryne and Mary, James Jr. and Lynn; and daughter Lisa and her husband David; 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; all who will miss him dearly. The family is grateful to the wonderful staff at Heritage Trails Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Cleburne, Texas for the excellent care he received there the past year. Due to current world circumstances, a private service will be held at a later date.
Jim was born in Omaha, Nebraska on May 22, 1934. He grew up in Salina, Kansas, and graduated from Salina High in 1952. He then attended Kansas State University where he participated in Track and Tennis, and was a member of the TKE fraternity. After college, Jim returned to Salina and enjoyed a long career working for Wilson and Company Engineers and Architects. During his time at Wilson and Co. Jim made his first trip to Saudi Arabia, living in tents with the Bedouin’s to survey and map out the highway systems of the Kingdom. Jim made many lifelong friends at Wilson and Co. and during his travels. Jim was actively involved with Boy Scouts Troop 22, and Redeemer Lutheran Church. In 1980, Jim accepted a job as Supervisor of the Photogrammetry and Base Mapping Unit for Aramco in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. During his 14 years of employment with Aramco, Jim oversaw the design and application of numerous large scale projects throughout the Kingdom. Jim remained in Dhahran during the Desert Shield buildup and Desert Storm as an essential civilian employee of Aramco, and was a host of many U.S. service men during their deployments. It was an interesting time. Jim retired from Aramco in 1994. Once stateside Jim and Betty first, moved to a small ranch in Buffalo, Texas. After spending time in Buffalo, they moved to Pecan Plantation in Granbury, Texas to be closer to family. In Texas, Jim volunteered and supported Boy Scout Troop 303 in Springtown, and Hope Lutheran Church. Jim enjoyed a working retirement as shortly after the move to Granbury he took a position working security for the Bass Brothers in Fort Worth and was also a volunteer firefighter for the Pecan Plantation Volunteer Fire Department until his health would not allow. Jim and Betty enjoyed traveling the USA, visiting their children in their Suburban or Hummer. Visiting Branson, Missouri, and lunch at La Madeleine’s were also favorite destinations! They enjoyed traveling beyond the continent, having visited Hawaii, the U.K., France, Switzerland, Holland, Austria, Singapore et al. Jim loved his family. He loved to dance, he loved fast cars and people watching, and he loved life. Jim loved the Lord and applied his faith in his daily life. We love you, and we miss you Dad. May you continue in peace.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local non-kill animal shelter or rescue.
