On August 21, 2009, Betty James, a long-time member of the Houston real estate community passed away following her courageous 9-year battle with cancer. Some people may question my use of the word “legend,” in describing Betty, but to me she truly was legendary. Few people come into your life and make as great an impact as Betty made in mine.
Let me take you back to July 1985…
My parents had recently relocated to Houston and were looking for a home to purchase. Being from Shreveport, Louisiana, my mother was instantly drawn to the Southern Bell charm of Betty James, owner and Broker of Betty James, Realtors. My brother and I were invited along to look at houses with my mother and Betty. By the end of that day, the course was set for 2 very important introductions that happened as a result of that outing.
After a full day of looking at houses, we went back to Betty’s office to run comps on the computer…back then it was a PRC terminal without so much as a computer screen, and it printed out the MLS information onto thermal paper. While chatting about houses, neighborhoods, etc., Betty says to me, “Dah-lin, you need to come work for me.” I graciously accepted her job offer and began work as her receptionist, where I remained for the next year and a half.
So on July 27, 1985 I showed up for my first day of work, thus beginning my career in real estate. But, there was also something else a bit magical that happened that day. As luck would have it, Betty’s husband was an architect and his firm shared the same building as the real estate office. Betty James, Realtors occupied the first floor of the building, and Allan James Architects occupied the second. So what’s so remarkable about that, you ask? Well, it just so happened that there was a young architecture student by the name of Ken Sandlin who was working for Allan. Betty introduced us on my first day of work and we were married 10 months later.
As you can see, Betty James is responsible for introducing me to my career in real estate, AND to my husband on the very same day. Naturally, Betty has always held a very special place in our hearts.
We remained in touch over the many years that followed, and as my real estate career grew and took me into corporate relocation. She always told me how proud she was of my accomplishments, to which I always replied, “You taught me everything I know.”
I always admired Betty’s genuine love and passion for real estate. Anyone who has been involved in Houston real estate over the past 20+ years, can proudly say that they knew Betty James. Working until nearly the end, Betty’s story is very inspiring. I can remember seeing one of her For Sale signs in a neighbor’s yard just a couple of months ago. Seeing that white sign with red letters always brought a smile to my face, and now as I reminisce about it, a tear to my eyes. Betty was a great mentor and friend to me, and I will miss her dearly.
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Great post Michelle. One never know where a door will lead. It’s just up to us to walk through and “believe” that it has been opened for a very important reason. Sounds like Betty James was the doorway to many great opportunities for you, your family, and career.