James Bunch

James Edward Bunch, longtime resident of Terrell, passed away on Friday, March 24, 2023. James was born on Jan. 9, 1959 in Dallas to Ernest and Cathy Bunch, both of whom preceded him in death along with his mother-in-law, Juanita Oats. James graduated from Community High School in Nevada, TX and married the love of his life, Vicky Oats, on July 1, 1977. A few years after they married, James and Vicky settled in Terrell to raise their family in 1979. Their son, Clay, was born in 1982 and then came their daughter, Jenny, in 1987 making their family complete. James worked as a heavy machine mechanic with Dee Brown, Inc., for over 36 years after which he began driving for Daryl Thomason Trucking for another 10 years until his retirement. James’ calm personality and insightful wisdom made him a favorite with both the longtime and the new drivers. His handle was “Wildcat” and his ability to get transports taken care of and on time was well known among the others drivers. When James was home from his job, he could be found hunting, fishing, or “helping” Vicky with her cooking as he added spices to get it tasting just right! In James younger years, he raced stock cars and he never lost the appreciation of a fast car as he enjoyed watching NASCAR racing later on. His favorite driver was Dale Earnhardt, Sr., but James was happy to watch any racing at any time. He also enjoyed spending time on the lake with his family swimming, tubing and making countless memories with loved ones and friends. Later in his life, he became a Pawpaw to Avery, Ellie and Jesse and their whole world revolved around James as he played games and spent precious moments with them. A devoted husband and father who provided everything for his family as well as a fun loving grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, James will be greatly missed but never forgotten by all whose lives he touched. James is survived by his wife of over 45 years, Vicky Bunch, of Terrell; son, Clay Bunch of Terrell; daughter, Jenny Cousins and husband, Grant, of Crandall; grandchildren: Avery Bunch, Ellie Cousins, and Jesse Bunch; sisters, Marcia Blevins of Brashear, TX and Paula Rodriguez and husband, Roy, of Winnsboro; brothers- and sisters-in-law: Denny Oats and wife, Alma, of Terrell, Gary Oats and wife, Ramona, of Wills Point, Ronald Oats and wife, Lila, of Elmo, Darlene Ward and husband, Ron, of Canton, Bobby Oats and wife, Brenda, of Elmo, Anna Warner and husband, Luke, of Grand Saline and Tami Wallace and husband, William, of Terrell as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, truck driver family and a host of friends, all of whom loved James dearly. Funeral service will be at 2:00pm, Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at First Baptist Church in Terrell with interment to follow at Elmo Cemetery. His family will receive friends beginning at 1:00pm to service time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Elmo Cemetery Association, PO Box 150, Elmo, TX, 75118 or to First Baptist Terrell at www.fbcterrell.org

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James Bunch

March 24, 2023