Donnie David James, Sr. of Trenton, Texas passed away peacefully in his home on December 22, 2019 at the age of 78. He was born on July 22, 1941 to Murvyn Olif James and Retha Nadine (Smith) James in Dallas, Texas. Donnie grew up with a strong Methodist faith, son of a Methodist minister, a faith that he carried with him until his last breath. He was raised in Irving, Texas where he attended Irving High School. It was there that Donnie found his first job at the age of 14 at the local family grocery store to support his family and began what would be a life full of hard work and dedication. At this small-town store, Donnie met his beautiful wife Linda flirting over the checkout counter on school days after classes let out. Donnie married Linda Ruth (Phillips) James on July 3, 1959 in Dallas, Texas. He went on to spend his early career with Neiman Marcus until he began his very successful 20-year career in law enforcement-which he loved-before retiring. It was in this that he found a way to combine his passion for helping people in need with providing and caring for he and Linda’s family. Donnie was known for his compassion and work ethic, being kind and gentle in nature. Another thing in Donnie’s nature was nature itself. He spent much of his free time in his beautiful vegetable garden and raising chickens and roosters. However, hunting and fishing with his friends was his favorite pastime. His favorite place to be was Caddo Lake in Louisiana, enjoying nature and cracking open a cold one with his dearest friends. His humorous and outgoing personality gifted him many friends and loved ones. Donnie never met a stranger and lit up a room with his smile and laughter. He was also incredibly involved with his family; he loved going on family trips and cooking surprise meals with his secret recipes while Debbie, Donna and Donnie Jr. tried to figure out what dad would make next. Donnie was also a proud 33rd Degree Mason at Gabe P. Allen Masonic Lodge in Dallas. He was a man with many trades who led a life that he could be proud of. He will be missed by many, but never forgotten. Those who lead a life of love and faith leave a legacy that death will never falter.
Donnie is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Ruth James of Trenton, Texas; sister, Phyllis Coulter; daughters, Donna Brown and husband, Randy of Trenton, Texas and Debbie Reno and husband, Duncan of Harper, Texas; son, Donnie James, Jr. of Trenton, Texas; grandchildren, Dwayne Casey, Amanda Wideman, Brandon Gibbs, Dusty Gibbs, Shelby Reno, Ashley James, Christopher James and Justin James; twelve great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter, Miss Cora; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Murvyn and Nadine James; sisters, Sheila Barnes and Barbara Agnew, and brother, Jerry James.
A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Monday, December 30, 2019 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home Chapel, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.