James Veltrop Jr (Veteran)

James Vincent Veltrop Jr., 37, of Alvarado, Texas, died Monday, September 20, 2010, in Fort Worth, Texas, after a long battle with melanoma cancer. He was born November 13, 1972, at Cannon AFB, Clovis, N.M. He grew up in Clovis, N.M., where he enlisted in the U.S. Navy after high school graduation in 1991. After his honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy, he made his home in Alvarado, Texas, where he married Beth Greenstein on June 27, 1998, at St. Anthony of Padua Episcopal Church. They were married by Fr. Henry Pendergrass, the godfather of the bride. James and Beth became the parents of Belle and Ren. James was a kind man, doting, and a loving father. He enjoyed many friendships through the U.S. Navy, NERO, and WOW. Mr. Veltrop was preceded in death by his mother, Faith McKellips Veltrop of Clovis, N.M., and his grandparents, Henry and Angie (Schenewerk) Veltrop and Emmett "Lucky" Goode, all of Mo. He is survived by his daughter, Isabella Veltrop; one son, Charles "Ren" Greenstein of Alvarado, Texas; parents, James and Joyce Veltrop of Jefferson City, Mo., Judith Goode Martens of Kan.; grandmother, Truby Dixon Goode of Grandview, Mo.; sister, Jacqueline Lycke of Jefferson City, Mo.; half-brother, Billy Swaim, of Converse, Texas; sister-in-law, Rebecca Greenstein of New York City; mother-in-law, Mildred R. Greenstein of Alvarado, Texas; nephew, Dominic Lycke of Mich.; siblings, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Graveside services were held at Cope Cemetery near Retta, Texas at 10:00 a.m. Services were officiated by Fr. Henry Pendergrass. Pallbearers were: Charles R. Greenstein, Gary Veltrop, Henry Veltrop, Tom Veltrop, Kenneth Mathis, Abel Hinojosa, Keith Morris, and Ryan Reinsvold. Arrangements were directed by Clayton Kay Vaughan Funeral Home, Alvarado, Texas.