James Massengale, Sr.

James David Massengale Sr. was born June 22, 1944, in Sanger, Texas, to W.O. “Tom” and Emma Massengale. He passed on April 11, 2021, at 76 years, 9 months, and 20 days of age.

He grew up in North Texas and graduated from Era High School in 1962. James met his wife, Shirley Morris, when they were just 2 and 4 years of age. They married on June 22, 1962, at 16 and 18 years of age.

James had a generous spirit and was a hard worker. His work moved him to many states: Texas, Arkansas, Georgia, and then to Missouri. He retired in 2010 from Lamson & Sessions Company.

He enjoyed farming, tinkering and restoring old tractors, and spending time at rodeos. He loved his family and friends deeply and thoroughly enjoyed the visits with them. When he found himself relaxing for the evening, you could always find his beloved dog, Pheemie, by his side.

Besides his parents, James was preceded in death by three brothers, Kenneth, Harold, and John Massengale, two sisters, Bessie Sanders and Mary Abernathy, and a grandson, Zachary David Turlington.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Shirley, of Mountain Grove, Missouri, two sons, Jimmy Massengale and wife, Julie, of Rogersville, Missouri, Chris Massengale and wife, Nicole, of Warthen, Georgia, three daughters, Tammie Vela and husband, Refugio, of Gainesville, Texas, Kim Miller and husband, Ronny, of Era, Texas, and Cheryl Turlington and husband, Zack, of Decatur, Texas, seventeen grandchildren, Jensen, Trey, Gabby, Kaiden, Kael, Kristin, Tony, Justin, Brittany, Tanner, Leslie, Natalie, Rhiannon, Lauren, Taylar, Peyton, and Morgan, thirteen great-grandchildren, two sisters, Lorene Houchin of Bowie, Texas, and Willie Mae Johnson of Whitesboro, Texas, sister-in-law, Geneva Massengale, of Forestburg, Texas, and many friends and family who will dearly miss him.

“To know him was to love him.”