James R. Risinger, age 91, of McKinney, Texas passed away March 26, 2012. He was born May 24, 1920, in Paris, Texas to John Julius Risinger and Ozella Melissa (Barnett) Risinger. On December 29, 1950, he married Geraldine Ashford in Powderly, Texas. He was a Mason for sixty-one years and a member of the Hella Temple Shriners. James was active with the McKinney Chapter of Rainbow Girls and was awarded The Grand Cross of Color by the State Rainbow Chapter.
James proudly served in the United States Army Air Corps. During World War II, he served in the European-African-Middle East Campaigns attached to Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron 19th Air Depot Group. He received Battle Stars for: Rome – Arno, Rhineland, Tunisia, Algeria – French Morocco and Naples – Foggia battles.
James received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas in 1949. He received his Master’s degree in Agriculture from Texas A&M – Commerce, Texas in 1954. James performed post graduate work at Texas A&M University upon completion of his Master’s Degree.
James retired as the Collin County Agricultural County Extension Agent, Texas A&M Extension Service, Texas A&M University. He also served in Van Zandt and Delta counties. In 1980, James was named the State of Texas County Agent of the Year. He was an educator by heart and by nature. His passion was to help the agricultural community increase their production and yield.
James and Gerry have been faithful members of the First United Methodist Church of McKinney, Texas for the last 46 years. James served as President of the Fellowship Class as well as on various committees. When their daughter, Vicki moved to Ohio, he told her to “just find a great Methodist Church and everything will be fine because that is what we have always done.”
James enjoyed gardening, flowers, hunting and attending Texas Rangers baseball games. Upon retirement, James and Gerry completed touring all fifty states, made numerous trips to Europe and enjoyed many cruises.
He is survived by his wife, Gerry Risinger of McKinney, Texas; daughters, Sherri R. White and husband, Daryl of Richardson, Texas and Vicki Risinger West of McKinney, Texas; granddaughter, Ashley West of San Antonio, Texas; grandson, Jeff White and wife, Kim of Temple, Texas; granddaughter, Melanie White and fiancé Bill Theissen, both of Dallas, Texas; great-granddaughter, Grace Parker White of Temple, Texas and his new great-grandson, Tucker James White arriving May 1, 2012.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ozella Risinger, seventeen siblings, and his beloved son in law, Gary D. West.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, April 6, 2012, at the First United Methodist Church of McKinney, Texas.
Donations may be made to the Growing Hearts Fund of the First United Methodist Church in McKinney, Texas, or the charity of your choice.