Feb. 19, 1915 – May 16, 2011

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Services for James Shereb, 96, of San Antonio, Texas, who entered into eternal rest from his home, will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Pius X Catholic Church in San Antonio, with a Rosary at 10:15 a.m.

A reception will be at 11:30 a.m. at the church.

Burial with military honors will follow at 1 p.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery under the direction of Sunset Funeral Home in San Antonio.

Mr. Shereb was born Feb. 19, 1915, in Zabbar Malta, an island country under British Rule in the Mediterranean located between Sicily and North Africa. He was educated in Malta and spoke and wrote Maltese, English and Italian.

At age 23, James immigrated to New York City July 1938, under the sponsorship of his uncle. He was inducted for active duty in the U.S. Army Reserve in December 1942, and served until March 1946, when honorably discharged with the American Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal. He was stationed at South Post, Fort Myers, Va. While in service he was made a U.S. citizen on Aug. 13, 1943. After discharge, he worked under Civil Service in Washington, D.C.: 1946-1955, Hq Veterans Administration; 1955-1965, Hq U.S. Air Force (Pentagon); June 1965, both his and his wife Melanie’s jobs were transferred in the USAF personnel (military) functions to the newly established Hq, USAF Manpower and personnel center (AFMPC) located at Randolph AFB, Texas (San Antonio). They both retired from AFMPC in June 1982, after each had 38 years of civilian service. In September 1950, James legally changed his name to Shereb from his family name of Xuereb. In 1952, he and Melanie were married in Washington and moved to Arlington, Va., where he enjoyed working outside, growing grapes and making wine. In August 1982, he and Melanie visited the now independent Malta. It was the first time in 44 years since James has seen his family. It was both a happy and a sad time. Happy, because James visited his tow brothers, his sister and younger family members; sad, because of the deceased members and the changes in Malta due to World War II.

James was a member of St. Piux Catholic Church and a weekly communicant. He will be sorely missed by all.

James was preceded in by his parents, Salvadore and Catherine Cassar Xuereb; four sisters, Felicia Xuereb, Lucy Coleiro, Josephine Mercieca and Maria Chetcuti; and three brothers, Charles and Emanuele, all of Malta, and George Landi of Australia.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 58 years, Melanie A. “Mel” Shereb, formerly Scruggs of Natchez; and a number of nephews and nieces in Malta.

The family would like thank James’ doctors, the staff of Hospice Inspiris, the Rev. Francis McHugh, Msgr. Liam Brosnam and all their wonderful friends/neighbors who have given them so much help, love, comfort and their prayers.

If so desired, donations may be made in James’ name to the cancer society or to a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com.