Dell Edward James

The Man With the Big Heart

Dell James was born to parents Fred and Rachel James in Beaumont, Texas. The family relocated to Dallas. In 1959, Dell moved to Farmersville, Texas, where he spent the rest of his life. Dell was a multiple-sport varsity athlete at Farmersville High School and graduated in 1964. He then attended East Texas State College (now Texas A&M University, Commerce) where he earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology.
Dell became the young owner of a Western Auto franchise in Farmersville and was active in community services, the volunteer fire department, and the Masonic Lodge, where he became a Master Mason. At the time of his passing, Dell was just months shy of earning his 50 year pin.
After closing Western Auto, Dell embarked on a career in transportation and truck leasing, routinely winning Salesman of the Year for Ryder and Bright. Dell then went into business for himself once again, as an excise tax and truck-leasing consultant.
Preceded in death by his parents, Dell is survived by his wife Becky, mother-in-law, Joy Summerour, brother Ray James, his three children (Dell never used the word step-children) Dell Edward James II, Michael Kelley and Melissa Grabowski. Dell also leaves behind eleven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Farmersville Masonic Lodge #214, P.O. Box 667, Farmersville, Texas 75442 (Contacts are Michael Cross at 214-769-7348 or Robbie Tedford at Tedford Chevrolet).