James Michael “Mike” Herod, 66, passed away on September 7, 2026, in Plano, Texas.
Born on August 19, 1960, in Alexandria, Louisiana, Mike built a life defined by devotion to his family, dedication to his work, faithful service to his country, pride in being a member of the Cherokee Nation and a steady presence to those around him.
Mike shared 40 years with his wife, Brenda Spikes Herod. Their story began while they were young adults working at the Alexandria JC Penney’s, after one year of dating they were married on August 23, 1986 at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church. Together, they built a family that remained at the center of his life. He is remembered by Brenda; by his daughter, Alayna Felty, and her husband, Michael Felty; and by his son, Jacob Herod, and his wife, Ashley Herod. He was preceded in death by his father, Tommy Herod, and his mother, Melba Jo Gaines Herod.
A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Mike served from 1978 to 1984 in the 307th division of the Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers, known as RED HORSE. He was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant. The unofficial RED HORSE motto, “Lead, Follow, or Get the Hell Out of the Way,” became a personal motto he carried throughout his life, one that many around him came to know well. Through his loyal service he was awarded a medal of Patriotism from the Cherokee Nation.
Following his military service, Mike devoted more than 35 years to his work as a radiological technologist. He took great pride in caring for patients and in providing comfort during times of need. For the last 13 years of his career, he worked at Carrollton Regional Medical Center in the Interventional Radiology department, where he helped build a healing environment with coworkers who he considered family. His commitment to his profession was not only measured in years of service, but in the care and reassurance he offered to others each day.
His Catholic faith was an important part of his life. For 22 years, Mike was a parishioner of Our Lady of Prompt Succor in Alexandria, Louisiana. After moving to Texas in 2008, he found a spiritual home at St. Ann Catholic Parish in Coppell, where he remained a parishioner until his passing. Recently Mike found a second community in the parish of All Saints Catholic Church where his daughter works as a teacher at the school.
Mike also found joy in learning new things and working with his hands. Over the years, he enjoyed cooking for his loved ones, baking his own bread, crafting homemade root beer, and creating artwork through both wood working and leather working. These interests reflected both his curiosity and the care he brought into the lives of others, whether through a meal, a handmade piece, or simply the quiet consistency of his presence.
James Michael “Mike” Herod will be remembered for a life of service, faith, love, and steadfastness. His memory remains with those who knew him and shared in his life.
A memorial rosary will be held on September 18, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, 5231 Meadowcreek Drive, Dallas, Texas 75248. Following the rosary, a funeral mass will begin at 11:00 a.m.