James Riley Borel, 86, of Zavalla, Texas passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025 at Harbor Hospice in Jasper, Texas. James was born on August 13, 1939 in Port Arthur, Texas to the late James Louis and Mary Nell Broussard Borel.

James attended Bishop Byrne High School where he graduated in 1957. He was in the United States Coast Guard Reserve for 8 years and retired from Pipefitters Local 195 after 42 years. He was a deacon of Lakewood Baptist Church who also volunteered at the Zavalla Food Bank. James revolved his life around his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and his family. He cared so deeply for the people around him and made a positive impact on many lives. James enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, and having crab and crawfish boils with family and friends. For all of you that have had the pleasure of knowing our dad, you will understand why and how he was voted “Most Mischievous” in his graduating class. Being a husband and father of three, he will be forever missed until we meet again in heaven.

Those left to cherish James’s memory are his loving children, daughters, Terri Borel and Susan Borel; his son, Blake Borel; his granddaughter, Ashley Murray and her husband, Ethan; his granddaughter, Amber Borel; adopted daughter Michaele Lafferty; his sister Patricia Howe and numerous loving nieces and nephews.

James is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Regenia Ann Borel; parents, James and Mary Nell Borel; and his brother, Donald Borel.

A Celebration of James’s Life with family and friends will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Melancon’s Funeral Home, 2001 Nall Street, Port Neches. Funeral Service will immediately follow the visitation and begin at 2:00 p.m. with Interment at Oak Bluff Memorial Park in Port Neches, Texas.