James "Jim" Wesley Key

After living a blessed and faith filled life of service to God, his family, friends, fellowman, country and community, James Wesley Key died Friday, June 9, 2017, at the age of 73 in his Lipan (Dennis) home.Funeral Service:  A celebration of his life is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Monday, June 12, 2017 at First Baptist Church of Dennis, 7600 FM 1189, Lipan (Dennis).  His remains will be laid to rest at the Johnson Cemetery at Dennis.  Visitation will be at the church one hour preceding the services.Memorials:  In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the charity of your choice.James willingly and honorably served his country in the United States Army as part of the 11th Air Cav. Reg. (Blackhorse), 5th Platoon in the capacity of Crew Chief on a UH-1D Huey in the country of Vietnam until his ship was shot down while defending our nation.James' next line of service was to the natural gas industry where he devoted 50 years of service, retiring with many distinguished recognitions and honors.  As he had always done, he led by example putting others first and creating sincere and lasting friendships with those he worked.James married Patricia Hudson Southard in 1976 and began their life together.  To this marriage were three step-sons, Kenneth Wayne Southard of Springtown, Wm. Darel Southard and wife, Becky, of Joshua, and Jason Alan Southard and wife, Kim, of Wichita Falls.  He was known affectionately as "Hammer" to his step-grandchildren, Desiree, Jacee, Emma, Jaydon, Stetson, Peyton Williams and step great-grandson, Ruger.He taught the highest qualities of family values: love, devotion and respect.  He demonstrated great humility serving God as he taught the Men's Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church, Dennis; served as a lifetime member of Disabled American Veterans, loyal member of the Together We Stand organization, pledged his allegiance to the Wall at the National Vietnam War Museum located at Mineral Wells.James left this life as he lived it, with dignity and grace, surrounded by loved ones and friends.  James, the son of James A. Key and Patricia Walker, of Weatherford, was born October 9, 1943. He was preceded in death by his parents, and daughter, Marisa Carol Thomas.The Key family extends gratitude and thankfulness for the love poured out to them during this time through all the personal visits, food, flowers, phone calls, cards and prayers.  Your love has been overwhelming.  A special thank you to James' caregivers Amy and Tracy with Compassus Hospice and Palliative Care.Services are in care of White's Funeral Home, Weatherford.