Forever In the Hearts They Leave Behind

James “PJ” Von Tress

Passed Away on July 29, 2016


JAMES MATTHEW VON TRESS

June 4, 1955 – July 29, 2016

James “PJ” Von Tress passed away on July 29, 2016 in his home from complications from congestive heart failure, with his wife Mary at his side. He was 61 years young.

James was born in Silver City, NM on June 4, 1955 to William R. Von Tress (deceased) and Carol J. Conerly. The family soon re-located to Lake Jackson, TX, where he grew up with his four siblings, Mark, Karl, Paul, (deceased), and his adopted sister, Krissy.

James attended Angleton High School. James later moved to Huntsville TX where he attended college at Sam Houston State University where he majored in Drama.

A man of many talents, James started his career in life embracing his love for the arts as a performer at the Texas Renaissance Festivals but soon found other opportunities with Pronet as a sales rep for many years. Being the musician that he was, James found the corporate life restricting his ability and desire to continue in his musical pursuits, so he took a job as a long haul trucker and driver for yellow cab in Houston, which allowed him the flexibility he needed to do what he loved most. His latest field of employment was with his wife Mary, working together as Facility Managers in the self-storage industry, finally settling in at Canyon Rose Self-Storage in Gold Canyon, AZ, where they have worked and lived for the past 15 years. His true passion however, was in music and the arts. James was an accomplished guitarist, singer/song writer, stage actor, and jokester, and he lived to perform, either on the stage, at various venues throughout his travels, or in the family room, for his friends, family, and fellow musicians. Regardless of where he was, James always brought his quick wit and humor with him to brighten up the room. In 1980, James took up sky diving and in one year, logged more than 100 jumps, and participated in numerous team jumps and competitions. Throughout his life, James was an avid motorcyclist, and took to the highways and byways every chance he got. His favorite trips were those that included his brother Mark. Together, they have ridden everywhere from the hill country of Texas, to the deserts of Arizona, to the black hills of South Dakota and everywhere in between.

In 1994 James (“PJ” then) was invited to perform at the Boondocks in Houston, TX for a local benefit, where he met the love of his life, Mary Brown. On September 16, 1995, James and Mary pledged their love for one another, and were married in Houston, TX. In 1998, they packed up the wagon and headed further west to Phoenix, AZ to be closer to their daughter Mandi and their grandchildren.

James is survived by his wife Mary, his adopted daughter, Amanda Ackerman and her husband Michael, grandchildren, Kelsey, Kory, and Mika, his mother Carol, step-mother Lila, older brother Mark and his wife Debbie, nieces Emily and Natalie younger brother Karl and younger sister Krissy. He also is survived by stepbrothers Gary Herbst, Stuart Herbst and stepsister Veronica Bosarge with numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father William and his younger brother Paul.

No funeral arrangements are being made, but there will be a “Celebration of Life” for James in Gold Canyon, Arizona, this fall that will be announced at a later time.

James was cremated at Mountain View Funeral Home and his ashes will be scattered at Surfside Beach, Freeport, Texas as he wished.

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  1. Randy Robertson says:

    Our deepest condolences go to James family and wonderful wife Mary. I had the privilege of knowing James for a short time. Now it’s time to rest James, God bless and R.I.P.

  2. Amorette Welsh Capparelli says:

    PJ will be missed by those of us who had the pleasure of growing up with him, as well as performing in theatrical productions at Brazosport College. My memories of James will always bring a smile…RIP, my friend. Deepest condolences to his wife and family…thanks for giving PJ a joyful life.

  3. cindy gernand says:

    You will be forever remembered by many of us that worked with you in the Drama Dept at Brazosport College. Rest in peace PJ, you are missed.
    Cindy Gernand

  4. Lisa Knipping Gonzales says:

    I remember your smile, your zest for life, your love of theater and your skill at both acting and stage setting. I valued your friendship and the short time I was fortunate enough to share with you at Brazosport College. Those were very special days for our troupe of friends. You are missed, P.J.

  5. Brenda Shaw says:

    Thank you for posting this. As part of his extended family, my heart aches for all. I regret that i can not be there to hold Aunt Mary’s hand as she walks through her time of sorrow. But i do want her to know just how much we love her. And i pray with the help of the Lord, she will be able to get through this grief. Love you Aunt Mary!

  6. Gina says:

    What a lovely tribute. Our condolences. Larry and Gina Harris, Burleson, TX

  7. Arleen Eledge says:

    Am so sorry for your loss. I have been praying for God’s comfort and peace to surround you. Love you.
    Arleen

  8. Greg veatch says:

    Dear Mary
    I’m very sorry for your loss. James was indeed an interesting man.

  9. Janet Heitmuller says:

    James was a lovely man and will be remembered with a smile and that he was always telling jokes.

  10. Sarah Moran says:

    James I have missed your quick sense of humor.
    Did not alway agree about everything but always enjoyed the dialogue… RIP

  11. Judy & Ron Pendergraft says:

    Our sincerest condolences to the family. We will keep you in our prayers.

  12. Lou says:

    Our sincerest condolences to the family. RIP James.

  13. Lou Woody says:

    James we will always remember you in our hearts the love you showed to us at our Wounded Warriors program that was founded by your Mom Carol C. you spoke and sang from the heart ,
    We love you James, We will not say Good Bye But We Will See You Again On The Other Side.
    I personally Love to hear all the funny story’s that your Mom tells me of your childhood days.
    They were all told in so much Love.
    Your Friend
    Lou Woody

  14. Rick Hardina says:

    Thank you, James for your continued commitment to the Gold Canyon Community. You will certainly be missed!

  15. Lynn and Gary says:

    Oh if only I could be there to hold your hand dear Mary. But I will be in thought as you share love and memories with all!!! God bless you and all your family

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James “PJ” Von Tress

Passed Away on July 29, 2016


JAMES MATTHEW VON TRESS

June 4, 1955 – July 29, 2016

James “PJ” Von Tress passed away on July 29, 2016 in his home from complications from congestive heart failure, with his wife Mary at his side. He was 61 years young.

James was born in Silver City, NM on June 4, 1955 to William R. Von Tress (deceased) and Carol J. Conerly. The family soon re-located to Lake Jackson, TX, where he grew up with his four siblings, Mark, Karl, Paul, (deceased), and his adopted sister, Krissy.

James attended Angleton High School. James later moved to Huntsville TX where he attended college at Sam Houston State University where he majored in Drama.

A man of many talents, James started his career in life embracing his love for the arts as a performer at the Texas Renaissance Festivals but soon found other opportunities with Pronet as a sales rep for many years. Being the musician that he was, James found the corporate life restricting his ability and desire to continue in his musical pursuits, so he took a job as a long haul trucker and driver for yellow cab in Houston, which allowed him the flexibility he needed to do what he loved most. His latest field of employment was with his wife Mary, working together as Facility Managers in the self-storage industry, finally settling in at Canyon Rose Self-Storage in Gold Canyon, AZ, where they have worked and lived for the past 15 years. His true passion however, was in music and the arts. James was an accomplished guitarist, singer/song writer, stage actor, and jokester, and he lived to perform, either on the stage, at various venues throughout his travels, or in the family room, for his friends, family, and fellow musicians. Regardless of where he was, James always brought his quick wit and humor with him to brighten up the room. In 1980, James took up sky diving and in one year, logged more than 100 jumps, and participated in numerous team jumps and competitions. Throughout his life, James was an avid motorcyclist, and took to the highways and byways every chance he got. His favorite trips were those that included his brother Mark. Together, they have ridden everywhere from the hill country of Texas, to the deserts of Arizona, to the black hills of South Dakota and everywhere in between.

In 1994 James (“PJ” then) was invited to perform at the Boondocks in Houston, TX for a local benefit, where he met the love of his life, Mary Brown. On September 16, 1995, James and Mary pledged their love for one another, and were married in Houston, TX. In 1998, they packed up the wagon and headed further west to Phoenix, AZ to be closer to their daughter Mandi and their grandchildren.

James is survived by his wife Mary, his adopted daughter, Amanda Ackerman and her husband Michael, grandchildren, Kelsey, Kory, and Mika, his mother Carol, step-mother Lila, older brother Mark and his wife Debbie, nieces Emily and Natalie younger brother Karl and younger sister Krissy. He also is survived by stepbrothers Gary Herbst, Stuart Herbst and stepsister Veronica Bosarge with numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father William and his younger brother Paul.

No funeral arrangements are being made, but there will be a “Celebration of Life” for James in Gold Canyon, Arizona, this fall that will be announced at a later time.

James was cremated at Mountain View Funeral Home and his ashes will be scattered at Surfside Beach, Freeport, Texas as he wished.

15 responses to “James “PJ” Von Tress”

  1. Randy Robertson says:

    Our deepest condolences go to James family and wonderful wife Mary. I had the privilege of knowing James for a short time. Now it’s time to rest James, God bless and R.I.P.

  2. Amorette Welsh Capparelli says:

    PJ will be missed by those of us who had the pleasure of growing up with him, as well as performing in theatrical productions at Brazosport College. My memories of James will always bring a smile…RIP, my friend. Deepest condolences to his wife and family…thanks for giving PJ a joyful life.

  3. cindy gernand says:

    You will be forever remembered by many of us that worked with you in the Drama Dept at Brazosport College. Rest in peace PJ, you are missed.
    Cindy Gernand

  4. Lisa Knipping Gonzales says:

    I remember your smile, your zest for life, your love of theater and your skill at both acting and stage setting. I valued your friendship and the short time I was fortunate enough to share with you at Brazosport College. Those were very special days for our troupe of friends. You are missed, P.J.

  5. Brenda Shaw says:

    Thank you for posting this. As part of his extended family, my heart aches for all. I regret that i can not be there to hold Aunt Mary’s hand as she walks through her time of sorrow. But i do want her to know just how much we love her. And i pray with the help of the Lord, she will be able to get through this grief. Love you Aunt Mary!

  6. Gina says:

    What a lovely tribute. Our condolences. Larry and Gina Harris, Burleson, TX

  7. Arleen Eledge says:

    Am so sorry for your loss. I have been praying for God’s comfort and peace to surround you. Love you.
    Arleen

  8. Greg veatch says:

    Dear Mary
    I’m very sorry for your loss. James was indeed an interesting man.

  9. Janet Heitmuller says:

    James was a lovely man and will be remembered with a smile and that he was always telling jokes.

  10. Sarah Moran says:

    James I have missed your quick sense of humor.
    Did not alway agree about everything but always enjoyed the dialogue… RIP

  11. Judy & Ron Pendergraft says:

    Our sincerest condolences to the family. We will keep you in our prayers.

  12. Lou says:

    Our sincerest condolences to the family. RIP James.

  13. Lou Woody says:

    James we will always remember you in our hearts the love you showed to us at our Wounded Warriors program that was founded by your Mom Carol C. you spoke and sang from the heart ,
    We love you James, We will not say Good Bye But We Will See You Again On The Other Side.
    I personally Love to hear all the funny story’s that your Mom tells me of your childhood days.
    They were all told in so much Love.
    Your Friend
    Lou Woody

  14. Rick Hardina says:

    Thank you, James for your continued commitment to the Gold Canyon Community. You will certainly be missed!

  15. Lynn and Gary says:

    Oh if only I could be there to hold your hand dear Mary. But I will be in thought as you share love and memories with all!!! God bless you and all your family

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