James Michael Preddy's Obituary
PREDDY, James Michael (JP, Jamie, Uncle Mick, Jim, Papaw, Mr. Preddy) age 78, from Dallas, TX passed away peacefully Monday, April 27, 2020. He was born at Baylor Hospital in Dallas on May 23, 1941 to Rodean Moorehead Preddy and James Reynolds Preddy. He spent his childhood in Oak Cliff, played little league baseball and basketball but his real passion was golf. Cedar Crest, Stevens Park, Tenison and eventually Oak Cliff Country Club were his favorite hangouts. He was on the golf team at South Oak Cliff High School, became captain his senior year and won several local championships. He consistently drove the ball far and straight, had an 8 handicap, and loved a friendly wager with his usual foursome. A master of the game, he often said golf was more emotional than physical. Surrounded by the freshly mowed greens, beautiful old oak trees and his clubs is where he felt the most at home. His final round was played Friday, April 24th with his lifelong friend, who worked with him at the local root beer stand when they were teens. Following high school graduation he went to the University of Texas, Austin to study journalism. He took some postgraduate courses in business after realizing he had a passion for the stock market. That changed when friends introduced him to the building materials business. Through numerous connections and friendships he formed a partnership and eventually took ownership of Wilson Plywood & Door in Garland. What was originally an oak flooring company became a leading pre-hanger specializing in doors, lumber, plywood and moulding. Starting there almost 50 years ago, he built the company into what it is today, embodying the true American Dream. This small little company (as he liked to call it) and his beloved employees were family to him. Retirement was out of the question because it meant leaving a place he loved. He was a humble leader who believed in hard work and treating people fairly and with respect. His favorite vacation memories were golf trips and skiing in Beaver Creek and Lake Tahoe with friends and family. He cherished being outdoors in the mountains alongside his wife Kay cruising wide-open, groomed runs. They traveled the world, exploring places like the Greek Isles, Italy, Galapagos, Scotland, Amsterdam, New Zealand, and much more. Back in Dallas, he loved walking his overly active dog Lizzie (who was forced upon him by his grandchildren). She was his constant four-legged companion. They even shared peanuts, grapes, and his daily morning muffin. Other things he loved: UT football, a cold Michelob Ultra, his leather recliner, TV, history, old movies, nice clothes, The Wall Street Journal and $50 dollar bills. Sunday mornings were filled with 9:30 church followed by lunch bunch with their special group of six. They laughed, gossiped, solved many world problems and talked about their aches and pains. Then it was home, out of church clothes, and into his and hers sweat suits to watch the Cowboys, a golf tournament or the sports event of the day. He will be forever remembered by his wife of 42 years, Kay Preddy; daughter Cathy and son-in-law Alan Tong of Springfield, MO; daughter Stacy and son-in-law Lawrence Piccagli of Dallas, TX; and his sister Geraldine (Gerry) Champion of Houston, TX and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren: Penelope, Alex, Henry, Chris, and Samantha. And especially his furry friend Lizzie. A private burial will be held at Restland Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church at a later date. Those who desire may make donations in memory of Jamie to PHPC, the Salvation Army or the SPCA.
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