James Oliver Anthony

James Oliver Anthony went home to be with his Lord at the age of 91, Monday evening September 23, 2024. James was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Lee Anthony. James was born in Robert Lee, Texas and grew up in Northern Arkansas around the Mount Magazine area, where he was baptized. He was the youngest son of five children of John and Esther Anthony. He lived an abiding life in the Lord and left behind a legacy of hard work, determination, and a passion for learning, love and faith.

At the age of 15 years old, James skipped school to support a buddy who wanted to enlist in the army. In a divine twist of circumstances, the army waitlisted his friend, but enlisted James. Under the careful guidance and mentorship of his drill sergeant, James grew up quickly, serving in Korea during the Korean War and then enjoyed being stationed throughout the world, before settling down in Wichita Falls, TX for 46 years. He spent the last 21 years in Fort Worth, Texas to be near his children. 

James married Betty Lee Jackson on June 6, 1956. James was an Ephesians 5:25 husband, always loving his wife and putting her needs before himself throughout their 59 years of marriage. At any given time throughout his life, he worked multiple jobs to provide the best he could for his family, yet he never missed a school program, football game, PTA meeting or band concert of his daughter or any other family activity, never once complaining about the hours he worked. James enjoyed working as a stockroom manager for JC Penney’s for 43 years. He was also instrumental in helping many young people get hired and trained in various jobs within the Penney’s organization.

In 1979, when the infamous Wichita Falls tornado tore through their hometown, James jumped into action without hesitation. He spent countless hours digging through the ruble of his home and others’ searching for lost treasures and family heirlooms. James also played a significant role in getting the destroyed JC Penny store back into business through recovery, removal, and rebuilding. Less than a year later, when the town was devastated by flood, James was once again in full-service mode helping the Red Cross feed those affected. His heart was truly as big as Texas.

James also had the “green thumb” of a master gardener, creating many beautiful garden spots filled with roses, irises, lilies, and more throughout his life. While at times he could have a somewhat thorny exterior, his love was fragrant, his laugh was beautiful, and his heart was a gentle as his favorite pink roses.

In the later years of his life, James was actively involved wherever he called his church home. During his Wedgwood Baptist Church years, he could be found serving snacks at VBS or calming little ones during MOPS. Recently, at the Church at the Crossing James found fellow hungry believers who fed his desire to learn more about his God and Savior, as well as friends that he called family.

James is survived by his daughter Kimberly Campbell and his son-in-love, Robert, of Cresson, TX; grandchildren Kelsey Moelling and husband, Jonathan of Ft. Worth, TX; Madison Lowrie and husband, Nathan of Benbrook, TX; great-grandchildren Campbell and Olivea Moelling; niece Rebecca Pafford and husband, Robert; grandnephews Tony Tiner, Walker Pafford; grandniece Emylee Munns and husband, Zack and great-grandniece Everleigh Munns; grandnephew Rustin Jackson; great-grandniece Keegan Jackson and bonus grand-daughters, Abigail McLaughlin and Allyson Ryan. He also leaves a legacy of love and joy with his extended family of friends at the Waterford at Fort Worth retirement community and his faith family at Church at the Crossing.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm Friday, October 4, 2024, at James’ home church, The Church at the Crossing in Aledo, Texas.