James Oliver Cleveland's Obituary
James Oliver Cleveland, beloved husband, father, papa, great-papa, uncle, brother, and friend flew home to Heaven on Friday, June 27, 2015, from Dallas, Texas, where he has resided since 1958. He was born August 20, 1931, in Jackson Mississippi, to Emma Floyd and John Thomas Cleveland. He married the love of his life, his “honey”, Betty Jean Applewhite on December 20, 1952, and spent the next 62 years loving her and pouring himself into his four children, their spouses, his eight grandchildren, their spouses, and his eight great-grandchildren. Number nine will be born any day. He was a great dad, but he was an amazing papa! A graduate of Louisiana State University in Petroleum Engineering, Jim worked at Texas Oil and Gas, then generated oil and gas prospects as an independent, and finished his career with Saxet Resources. He taught eighth grade boys in Sunday school at First Baptist Church, Dallas, for what seemed like thirty-two years, desiring to instill in them a love for God and wise living. Jim loved his honey, handball, tennis, fishing, and people. He will be remembered for his “true” stories, laughter, love of family, generosity, and as his oldest grandson aptly put – his wild eccentricity. A private service will be held for family on Monday, June 29. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243. Memorials may be directed in his name to First Baptist Church, Dallas, and the Alzheimer’s Association.
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