"I was so saddened by the awful news of James\' passing. I have been to The Broken Spoke on a number of occasions when on holiday in Texas. It was the highlight of my trip to Texas. James was such a gentleman, a welcoming host and embodied all those wonderful, traditional Texas values. He is now with the good Lord. Paul O\' Connor, County Cork, Ireland. An admirer from across the ocean. "
In loving memory of
James Morris White
April 12, 1939 - January 24, 2021
James M. White, owner of the legendary Broken Spoke passed peacefully at home Sunday, January 24, 2021 at the age of 81.
James was born April 12, 1939 in Austin, Texas. He was a lifelong Austinite and 5th generation Texan. James' family fought for Texas Independence and generations all served as Texas Rangers and FBI agents but James' life took another path. His destiny was to own the greatest dancehall in Texas and there was no one more perfect for the job.James graduated from Travis High School in 1957.
In true patriot fashion James proudly served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1964. James was stationed in Okinawa and at Ft Sam Houston in San Antonio. He began dating Annetta Wells while he was stationed in San Antonio and married her on Sept. 15, 1966. After completing his military service James returned to South Austin and began construction of the Broken Spoke in 1964. Ever by his side was his darling, sweet wife Annetta of 55 years.
For the past 57 years James booked legendary musicians such as Willie Nelson, George Strait, and his childhood hero Bob Wills. "I imagined a place like no other, where people could come and have a good time and listen to country music, and after I built it I named it the Broken Spoke."-James White
James White is preceded in death by his mother Lena Fuchs, Father Bruce White Sr., stepmother Lou White, brother Bruce White Jr., grandson-in-law Stephen Dutton. He is survived by his wife Annetta Wells White, daughter Terri White, daughter Virginia "Ginny" White-Peacock and her husband Michael Peacock, grandchildren Ashley Dutton, Mollee Montague, James Lamar Peacock and Jackson Peacock. Great grandchildren Alex Espinoza, Brenn Espinoza, Stevie Grace Montague and Justus Dutton. Pallbearers are Don Green, Brian Hofeldt, Kevin Geil, Alex Espinoza, Bob Piekarski, Scott McHenry, Weldon Henson & Josh Lasseter. Honorary pallbearers are Rick Holloway, Allan Sanders, Bobby Dan Wood, Don "Winker" Emmons and Rick Leyh. In lieu of flowers please consider honoring his dream by continuing to support the Broken Spoke.
A viewing to be held Thursday, January 28, 2021 from 4:00-9:00 pm at Harrell Funeral Home. 4435 Frontier Trail Austin, Texas 78745. Services will be held Sunday, January 31, 2021 at the James M. White Ranch at 1:00 pm. Burial to immediately follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Austin, Texas.
Video Tribute for James White:
Please click on the link below to record a video message in honor of James. The video message can easily be recorded from a phone and will be automatically sent to us. Share your favorite memory, what you loved most about James, how you met, or how he made you smile. These video messages will be compiled into a tribute video for the family.
Record a Video Tribute Message
Tributes
"He will be sorely missed. A friend to everyone, eager to shake your hand, he brought great joy to so many for so long. He wasn?t fancy, but he sure was country. Rest In Peace. Your friend, Nap Mayorga, M. D."
"May you Rest In Peace. Say Hi to Poppa and Grams for me!"
"wouldn\'t let me post the actual video. Alvin & I wanted to share this beautiful sight (and sound). right now,, we couldn\'t think of a better tribute. (alvin & johnny got James\' Cadillac running. Made her sparkle. https://share.icloud.com/photos/0vYWd0IQRVZN_cfkakMn_e-vA"
"Sending my deepest condolences and prayers to Annetta and the entire White family. James was always super kind to our family and as my sister posted previously we have lots of great memories with James and his family at the Broken Spoke...and the Fortress back in the day... James always took time to talk to everyone, and made each person feel special. He?s one of a kind - a true legend and will never be forgotten. ? Brenda Harris Hunt"
"Terri, Annetta, Ashley and Jo we are deeply saddened by James\' passing. The video is beautiful and moving and funny and filled with great memories! Please know y\'all have been in our prayers and will continue in our prayers. Thank y\'all for loving Mother and Daddy through the years. Sharon "
"I knew James through my mom and the Oak Hill-Cedar Valley Pioneer Association. He was always gracious and kind, and will be remembered for many good times, and that lasting smile. I hope the Spoke lives on for many years. It\'s the last best reminder I know of the kinder, gentler, more tolerant Austin I grew up in."
"James was a great man. I have known him since 1974 when I was in College, even though I had longer hair and looked more like a hippie than a cowboy, James always made time to talk to me. Later when I took my future wife to the Broken Spoke to dance to Alvin Crow I was proud to introduce James to her as my true friend . I was also cast to be a dancer in a Willie Nelson movie when they were casting for Another Pair Of Aces.at the Spoke .I will miss James, but will always think of him when I continue to visit the Broken Spoke whenever I can. David Wright, Copperas Cove TX."
"My mother, Rubye Bru (from KVET-KASE), was a huge patron of the Broken Spoke and knew James White quite well. She visited often and one time fell and broke her kneecap leaving the Broken Spoke, after having one too many!! I\'ve had many a Chicken Fried Steak with Gravy, and enjoyed the food every time. I will keep your family in my prayers during this difficult time. God Bless Texas. Henry Robertson Cedar Park Texas"
"Some of my our favorite times at The Spoke were sitting up at the bar and just chatting with James and Annetta. The stories we heard from James were the best and wished I could have listened to them for hours! It is a true honor to call The Whites our friends and we will miss James dearly. God bless Mr. White and thank you for following your dream. We will continue to support your Honkey Tonk Heaven! "
"Remembering when I started being allowed to go dancing in the back with my red tkt attached!
His Mama would catch me everytime I tried to rush through after paying but never made it! She\'d call me back to get my ticket.
Best place we ever could have grown-up in the early 70\'s, learned to dance, had wonderful people watching out for us underage youngsters...
Always felt like family and still does...?
Thank you James for giving us a safe place to grow-up.
FLY HIGH ???"
"I\'m so sorry for your loss and wanted to extend my deepest condolences. James was a gentle man and I remember him always having a smile on his face. I had many fond childhood memories of James and the family. I used to seat people in the dancehall on the weekends at the Broken Spoke back in the day. My aunt and uncle, Marie and Red Gregg where good friends of yours and y\'all always treated us like family. Love, healing and peace to the family. Sending prayers. Cheryl Harris-Villanueva"
"Terri & Mrs. White I am so sorry for your loss he was a good Man. LeaAnn Johnson"