James Hestle Defoor Jr's Obituary
James Hestle Defoor Jr., 79 of Garland, TX passed to his heavenly home October 7, 2022.
James was born August 5, 1943, in Frederick, OK to James Hestle Defoor Sr. and Stella Lee Defoor. He grew up in a loving family with three sisters and two brothers.
After graduating from Davidson High School James married Frances Marion Defoor (Rector), his lifelong “Pal” in 1962 and moved to Dallas, TX. (They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on September 29, 2022). In Dallas, James enrolled in Electrical Trade School while working at Tom McCann shoe store.
James built a long and successful career as an electrician that provided a blessed childhood and example for his two sons, James Mark Defoor and Chris Duane Defoor. He worked hard but also made time to never miss a school event, sports event, or anything else where his boys were involved.
James was a dedicated coach that made a difference in not only his boys’ lives but many other kids along the way. He made many unforgettable memories with his family coaching soccer and travelling to tournaments in places like Mexico City, Toronto Canada, and Colorado Springs.
James was a member of Casa View Christian Church where he cultivated many lifelong friendships. He served the church in many capacities. He was a member of the property department for many years where he volunteered time for maintenance and repair around the church. He also served as a proud deacon and youth group leader.
James truly loved and doted on his four beautiful granddaughters, Sarah Frances, Grace Catherine, Hannah Sloane and Stella Lee Defoor. He was a proud and supportive grandfather. He would brag on each of their accomplishments along the way and his face would light up while doing so.
James was an avid fan of baseball and especially the Texas Rangers. He spent many enjoyable trips around the country with Frances attending games in various ballparks. They loved to travel together from Caribbean Islands to Hawaii and Alaska and many places in between.
As much as he loved to travel, chase grandkids and keeping up with his heartbreak Texas Rangers, his true place of Peace was his beloved property in Jacksboro. There you could find him on a tractor, working on fences or just putting around on his four-wheeler. James found peace there whether it be putting out hay for the cows or feeding bread to his three donkey buddies Connie, Mary and Hank.
James is preceded in death by his Father and Mother, brother Garland Defoor, sister Norma Lee Houtchens, brother-in-law Larry Joe McElroy, and brother-in-law Horace Houtchens and faithful canine companions Yankee, Smiley and Mira.
James is survived by his beautiful wife Frances, son Mark and his wife Elissia, son Chris and his wife Delma, granddaughters Sarah, Grace, Hannah and Stella Defoor, sister Doris and her husband James Gaither, sister Mary McElroy, brother Jackie and his wife Anita, and sister-in-law Brenda Defoor and multiple nieces and nephews.
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