James Austin Heard, age 82, passed away at his home in Mauriceville, Texas on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. Memorial  services will be held at 3:00 PM on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at First Baptist Church of Orange with Rev. Barry Bradley officiating. The family will be receiving friends beginning at 2:00 PM, one hour prior to the memorial service. Dorman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

James was born in Orange, Texas on April 19, 1935 to James Arthur and Irene Marie Heard. He attended Texas A&M before joining the United States Air Force. James was a retired Lab Analyst with Temple Inland. He loved raising cattle and being a rice farmer.

Survivors include his wife, Florence Heard of Mauriceville, TX. Three sons; James Bailey Heard and his wife Lynda of Mauriceville, TX, James Arthur Heard II of Mauriceville, TX, and James Azariah Heard and his wife Virginia of Lake Forest, CA.  Two daughters; Irene Marie Nichols and her husband Chris of Waller, TX, and Lydia Heard of Seattle WA. One brother, John Marvin Heard  and his wife Linda of Orange, TX, as well as seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.

 Service Information