James Jackson, Jr.

James William Jackson, Jr., 81, of Thornton passed away October 8, 2010 at Hillcrest Hospital in Waco. Visitation with the family will be held Saturday, October 9, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home in Thornton. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 10, 2010 at Central Baptist Church in Thornton with Pastor Tracy Sims officiating and Mr. Brian Mattson delivering the eulogy. Interment will follow in the Thornton Cemetery. James was born January 14, 1929 in the Seale community to James W. Jackson, Sr. and Inez Coker Jackson. James was an amazing, self-motivated entrepreneur and rancher. He was a tireless worker who loved what he did each day. James married Joyce Campbell of Thornton on June 12, 1949. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many. James was a committed deacon and Sunday School teacher of Central Baptist Church in Thornton. He, also, served the Thornton community for numerous years as mayor and city council member. James was preceded in death by his parents; and children, Linda Beth, Steven Alvin and Carol Jeanne. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Joyce Jackson of Thornton; son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Lesa Jackson of Thornton; granddaughter, Leanne Wooten and husband, Josh of Stephenville; two great-grandsons, Brennen and Aaron Wooten; sister, Eva Jo Lanier and husband, Bobby of Seale; niece, nephews and a host of friends. Pallbearers will be John Wesley Lauderdale, Jon Holloway, David Hughes, Bill Hughes, Morris DeFriend, Roy DeFriend, Charlie Kluck and Neal Allison. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Bradley, Arlie Vickery, James "Bo" Hall, Joe Neason, George Massey, Scott Wilson, Dr. Jeffery Rettig and Ronnie Driskell.