James Jeter

James Jeter was born in Star, Texas, on September 15, 1921. He was an only child, raised by his Mother and two stepfathers. His father, whom he never knew, died in 1931. Jim joined the Merchant Marines during World War 2, and earned the title of Golden Gloves boxer during this time. When stationed in Malaysia, he contracted malaria but was able to overcome the disease by the War's end. He met Hope Adams, his future wife, while both were serving in the Armed Forces. During the early 1940's, he married Odette Whiting, a woman he met in Australia, and they had a son, Chris Jeter, together. The marriage ended and by 1946, Jim and Hope were married and had two sons, Steve and James Michael. Sometime after 1949, Jim and Hope's marriage ended, and Jim focused on his acting career. He went to New York, where he met Chris Wilson, who years later would become his 4th and last wife. During the late 1950's and early 60's, Jim became friends with some of the biggest names in Hollywood - Paul Newman, Jessica Tandy, James Garner, and many others regarded Jim as a fine actor, and after acting on and off Broadway, he took many T.V. and movie roles, resulting in his being recognized as a busy character actor of the time. During the early 1960's, he met and married Marian Hail, another Texan with whom he had two daughters, Julia and Susan Jeter. Throughout the 1970's and 80's, Jim continued to get bit parts in many movies, sharing the screen with Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, Jack Nicholson, Clint Eastwood, and Kevin Costner, to name a few. Also in 1977, Jim graduated from Law School in Los Angeles, and had a private practice for a short time, with home offices in Altadena, CA. Following a serious car crash in New York City in which he suffered crushed pelvic bones, he took some time off to recuperate. His marriage to Marian ended in the early 1980's, and he soon relocated back to his home state of Texas, settled in Houston, and was a prolific contributor to the renowned Alley Theater in downtown Houston, Texas for many years. He reconnected with Chris Wilson and they married in 1993. They lived together and worked together at the Alley theater until her death in 2004. Called "Granddaddy" by his granddaughter Heidi Jeter, he was also known as "Big Jim" and "Jimmy" to those who knew him best. He was a warm, big hearted man, with many friends in the business who lauded his acting abilities. Jim always felt that being on stage was where an actor truly belonged, and he starred in and directed many stage productions throughout his life. He passed away 4 days before the birth of his first Great-Grandson, Seth. He is sorely missed by his family, and those actors who are still around who remember his big personality, sense of humor, and his passion for acting.