James Harrison Love, Sr., of Temple, Texas, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on October 21, 2024, at the age of 79. He was born on September 1, 1945, to Hansford Alton Love and Gladys Swatsell Love.
A graduate of McKinney High School, James served his country in the United States Navy, where he bravely fought in the Vietnam War. He remained close with his fellow service members and traveled across the country to visit them throughout his life. After returning home to Texas from the Navy, he spent 25 years working for the U.S. Postal Service, building enduring relationships in his community.
James was an avid sports fan, especially passionate about University of Texas football and baseball. But what meant the most to him was the time he spent coaching his sons in little league and youth sports. Those moments, surrounded by his boys and their friends, were some of his greatest joys. He also loved hosting and cooking, especially at the annual Love Reunion, a family tradition that lined up perfectly with the first University of Texas football game each year.
James was a skilled craftsman who loved woodworking, and he built almost every house he lived in with his own hands. He deeply appreciated nature, finding peace in the beautiful gardens he created, especially while watching the sunrise and hummingbirds with his morning coffee.
James is survived by his son, James Love, Jr. of Sanford, North Carolina; son, Jarod Love and wife, Mary of Dripping Springs, Texas; brother, Joe Love of Sherman, Texas; brother, Mickey Love and wife, Kay of Anna, Texas; and a host of other loving family and friends.
He was preceded in death his parents, Hansford and Gladys Love; brother, Henry Love; and sister, Linda Smith.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. The service will be live streamed at the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/james-harrison-love-sr. Following the service, a burial will take place at 2:15 p.m. at the Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211.
The family will receive friends during a visitation on Wednesday evening, November 6, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
The family requests donations to be made in memory of James at help.dav.org.