James L. Channel

December 27, 1925 - February 27, 2015

Funeral services for James L. Channel, age 89, of Rusk are scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 2, 2015 in Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor David Sanford officiating. Interment will be in Old Palestine Cemetery under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home in Rusk. Mr. Channel passed away February 27, 2015 at his residence. He was born December 27, 1925 in Nacogdoches, TX to the late Stonewall Jackson and Lula Matlock Channel. Mr. Channel was a lifelong resident of Rusk and a member of the Branded by Christ Cowboy Church in Rusk. He served in the United States Navy during World War II, retired from Rusk State Hospital after 28 years of service and enjoyed gardening and hunting. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Bobbie Channel, daughter, Regina Geisleman, son, Jimmy Channel, granddaughter, Natasha McKnight, two brothers and two sisters. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Bill Fountain of Rusk, eleven grandchildren, twenty-eight great grandchildren, fourteen great great grandchildren, daughter-in-law, Katie Channel of Rusk and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will include Ronnie Fountain, Shane McKnight, Michael Fountain, Mark Channel, Paul Wayne Patterson, Bo Allen, Colton McKnight and Justin Koop. Honorary pallbearers will be Fred Huffman, Miles Wingate, Ronnie Channel, Steve Channel and Joe Channel Jr. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m., up until service time, Monday, March 2, 2015 at the funeral home.