James E. Narramore Sr. passed away on January 21, 2023. Born in Greenville, Texas to
William Oscar and Blanche Martin Narramore on February 3, 1934, James was the youngest of
three sons. All three brothers, like their father, were Greenville business owners. He married
the love of his life, Grace Marie Love, on June 11, 1955. James’ interest in photography, which
began in junior high, would become his lifelong career. First, as a Staff Photographer with the
Greenville Morning Herald, and later as a photographer for the US Army. In 1961, James and
Grace opened Photography by Narramore. James was a long-time member of several state
and national professional photography associations. James rose to the rank of President of the
Texas Professional Photography Association. His creative talent earned him the prestigious title
“ Master Photographic Craftsman”. To this day, the Narramore name is displayed on portraits in
countless homes across Northeast Texas. James and Grace retired in 1999 and traveled from
coast to coast in their RV for many years.
James and Grace raised 3 children; Jim, Andy, and Holly. James enjoyed spending time with his
family camping & boating on Lake Texoma and skiing in Colorado. Many Greenville residents
will remember James for his whistling at the annual 4th of July Park Street celebration at
Kavanaugh church. Known as the “Texas Whistler”, he will be remembered for his Christmas
performances from his porch on Park Street.
James and Grace were charter members of Ridgecrest Baptist Church. Most recently, he and
Grace were members of Park Street Baptist Church. James set an example of true
God-honoring devotion to his wife by caring for her as she battled Alzheimer’s disease.
James is survived by his children, Jim and Carla Narramore and Holly and Dennis Dodds of
Greenville, and Andy and Donna Narramore of Vidor, Texas. Grandchildren: Steven Narramore
and wife Kalyn, Hayden Narramore and wife Abbi, Rebekah Maines and husband Todd,
Amanda Mendoza and husband Josh, Alison Pike and husband Zeb, Jamie Wilson and
husband John, Kelly Davis and husband Bruce. He is also survived by 19 Great-Grandchildren,
sisters-in-law Betty Shepherd and Peggy Love, and numerous nephews and nieces.
James was preceded in death by Grace, his beloved wife of 65 years; his infant daughter Holly
Elizabeth; his parents, and his brothers, Bill and David Narramore.
Visitation will be Tuesday, January 24 at Lynch Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. Funeral will be held
at Park Street Baptist Church, Wednesday, January 25 at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at
Memoryland Memorial Park.