In 1889 James Bradshaw Earthman, Sr. founded what is now Earthman Funeral Directors & Cemeteries in Taylor, Texas where he was a blacksmith and livery proprietor. The town of Taylor purchased a horse drawn hearse, and as proprietor of the livery stable he was frequently asked by the townspeople to assist with their funeral needs.  Beginning in 1889, providing funeral services became James B. Earthman's full-time profession.

In 1904 Mr. Earthman and his friend, railroad surveyor J.C. McCarty, moved to Houston and established the Earthman and McCarty Undertaking Company at 715 Main Street. The company prospered and in 1924 moved to 2420 Fannin.  Following Mr. McCarty's death, the company became the J.B. Earthman Company.

After James B. Earthman, Sr.'s death in 1931, James B. Earthman, Jr., "J.B."  a graduate of the original St. Thomas High School and Rice University, left his successful architectural career to manage the company.  His wife Blanche Bastien Earthman worked with J.B. in the daily operation of the business and was one of the first women in Texas to become a licensed funeral director.

James B. Earthman, Jr. was a pioneer in advanced funeral planning with the founding of a burial insurance company in the 1930's.  Together, J.B. and Blanche built Earthman Funeral Directors & Cemeteries into one of the largest family-owned and operated funeral companies in the United States.  Their children and grandchildren continued to manage and expand the business further with new locations throughout the community. 

James B. Earthman, Sr. began with a commitment to a high standard of service, and throughout our history we have continued to lead and innovate while maintaining those high standards of service.  Everyone at Earthman Funeral Directors & Cemeteries is proud to uphold this heritage and commitment to our community.