James Samuel Wages entered into eternal rest on Monday, November 4, 2024, at the age of 76 years.  James was retired from the U.S. Army and was a Fullbird Colonel in the Texas National Guard.  He enjoyed gardening and going on cruises with his wife Betty.  James was extremely proud to have served his country.  He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Hazel Wages; father-in-law and mother-in-law, James Lee and Nettie V. Watson, as well as several aunts and uncles.  James is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Betty L. Wages; daughter, Melissa B. Wages; sister, Theresa Elmore; Brother, Alvin Wages and his wife, Kathy; sister-in-law, Cheryl McCollough and her husband Luther; brother-in-law, Richard Watson; several nieces, nephews and special adopted sons.  Visitation will be held at Heritage Oaks Mortuary on Wednesday, November 20th from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with graveside services to be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m.