James "Budgie" Sellers

James "Budgie" Sellers

1946 - 2019

James "Budgie" Sellers, 73, of Silsbee, went to his eternal home Friday, May 24, 2019. Budgie was born in Charleston, West Virginia on March 15, 1946 to loving parents George and Ruth Sellers and was given his nickname by his sister's attempt at saying "brother". They soon became Texans when his father took a job in the start-up of the new DuPont Plant in Orange. Growing up in Orange he was known for his kindness, fun loving personality, and infectious laugh. He loved his hometown of Orange and always kept in touch with his childhood friends sharing stories of their high school sports participation and victories many times over. Although he played other sports, basketball was his game and he could recount with excitement every game he played.

He met and married his wife of 49 years, Kristi Fuller Sellers, while attending Lamar University and received an Electrical Engineering degree in 1971. The two settled in Silsbee, TX where he has lived for the past 47 years. Silsbee became a town he loved despite the Orange/ Silsbee sports rivalry of his youth and he made many wonderful friends. He worked in the oil business for several small oil companies in sales and management then retired from Pak Oil Company when his health began to fail in 2006.

He was diagnosed with a rare blood disorder in 2001. Never letting it stop him or complaining, he bravely fought for 17 years with the help of the medical staff of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. In August of 2018 the disorder transitioned into Acute Myeloid Leukemia and he continued to fight until the end when the Lord took him home.

Budgie was a devoted and loving family man. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his children and grandchildren, as well as their friends. He loved kids and was always a positive influence in their lives. His background in sports was put to good use by volunteering to coach many different sports for both his children and grandchildren. Soccer became a passion when his son Tyson at the age of 5 came home from kindergarten saying he wanted to play soccer. "Coach Budgie" bought a book on soccer, studied up, and began his "career" as a volunteer soccer coach. His daughter, Shannon, soon took to the sport as well and he found himself coaching two teams. He also served as president of Hardin County Youth Soccer Club for several years. After coaching his children throughout their childhood, he thought his coaching days had come to an end. However, when the Lamar University soccer team, where his son played, found themselves without a coach, he eagerly came out of retirement to volunteer for a few seasons. After in any years of coaching his children, he then had the opportunity to play on a team with them in the adult soccer league, also serving as president for several years. He took pride in continuing to help coach his grandchildren's soccer teams as well as refereeing games. As his grandkids biggest fan, he was never lacking in coaching tips to improve their game. Papa B will be missed by many.

Survivors include his wife, Kristi Fuller Sellers, daughter Shannon and her husband Gary Strahan, son Tyson Sellers and daughter-in-law Jamie Collins Sellers, beloved grandchildren Tyler Collins, Jacob Collins, Chloe Collins, Brady Collins, and Jake Strahan, all of Silsbee, sister Diane and husband Frank Weir of Bastrop, TX, brother-in-law Dude Fuller and wife Nora, sister-in-law Prissy and husband Thomas Knighten of Silsbee as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Ruth Sellers who provided him with a near perfect childhood and religious training in the Methodist Church. This training helped lead him to become a believer. He loved the Lord and worshipped at First Baptist Church, Silsbee.

He will be cremated and a memorial gathering for friends and family will be held at a future date.

Friends or family who wish to memorialize him with a donation are welcome to choose from First Baptist Church, 350 Highway 96 South, First United Methodist Church, 670 North 5th Street, or Christian Care Center, P.O. Box 2050 all located in Silsbee where Budgie enjoyed a long life and many friendships. Our special thanks to Pastor Mark Carpenter of First Baptist Church, Silsbee and all the friends and family for their constant support and prayers. These kindnesses were so felt and appreciated during this most difficult time. So much good in Silsbee, TX.

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