Billy Don James

Billy D. James, 84, passed away Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at his home with his loving family by his side. Service: 1:30 P.M. Monday, May 16 at White's Funeral Home Chapel in Mineral Wells, 101 NE 4th Ave. Interment: Memory Gardens of the Valley Cemetery. Visitation: 4 to 5:30 P.M. Sunday at White's Funeral Home.Bill was born November 29, 1926 in Eastland County to Mason and Ada James. He loved and lived the gift of life. Bill was a working cowboy in his youth until he joined the United States Navy at age 17 and served in the Pacific. From drag racing to bowling leagues he excelled. Bill was a born leader, path blazer and artistic creator. A work shop was vital in his life. He worked many hours tinkering and building his custom creations. Everything had a special James touch. He camped with his friends with Crackertown Sam's Club. Any time he could play 42 or shuffleboard it was fun because he loved the competition! The most important thing in his life was his family. He loved guitar playing and singing with them, cooking out, playing horseshoes and story telling. This undoubtly was the happiest he ever was.Bill was an uncommonly wise man. A man of his word, that left a legacy of unselfish Christ like love. He will be very painfully missed.Survivors; loving wife, Paula James of Jacksboro; daughters, Sherry Norman and husband, Terry of Covington, Ga., Debra James of Cool; grandsons, James Chad Poynter of Haslet, Spence Poynter, Billy Cole James both of Fort Worth, Casey E. James of Nashville, Tenn. and Trey Norman of Fort Worth; great-grandchildren, Jaryn and Lyndi Poynter; sister, Louise McCraine; and a host of loving family and friends.