Charles Lynn James

Lifelong Acton resident, Charles Lynn James passed from this world on October 20, 2018 in Granbury, surrounded by family and friends. He had suffered from the complications of Alzheimer’s Disease for several years. Graveside services will be held at 11 am on Thursday, October 25th at the Acton Cemetery conducted by Pastor Glenn Ward. Viewing will be at 6 pm on Wednesday, October 24th at the Wiley Funeral Home in Granbury.

Charles was born on March 13, 1936 in the Acton. He was the eldest son of Elvus Thomas James and Annie Bell Kaylor James. He was a member of the Acton Baptist Church. Charles graduated from Granbury High School in 1954. After graduation he proudly served his country several years in the National Guard. Following graduation Charles worked for the Texas Highway Department for several years. In 1962 he went to work for the United States Soil Conservation Service (SCS). He worked all over the State of Texas on various projects in the Water Shed Division. He continued working for the SCS for 30 years until his retirement in 1992. At that time, he was working out of the Stephenville Office.

After retirement Charles finally got to relax and became a full-time farmer/rancher on the family farm just west of Acton. This was the same farm that he was born on and the same farm that he lived on his entire life. He was the 5th generation of his family to work on the farm, and this work was a true passion for him. In the late ‘60s Charles had purchased hay bailing equipment to use on his own farm. Within a year he was doing custom bailing for many other farms in Hood County. As the work increased this became a family business with his son and all 3 grandchildren eventually working for him bailing hay. Charles continued bailing hay until his health began to fail in 2013.

Charles had a quick wit and a wonderful dry sense of humor. All who knew him loved this quality and appreciated it. He was the patriarch of the family and would always be willing to help and offer advice. There was never any doubt that he loved his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Charles lived a long-blessed life and he will be missed by many. Some of his greatest pleasures in life came from working his land, tending his trees and his cattle. He loved simple things, but he was not by any means a simple man.

Charles was preceded in death by his father, Elvus James in 1975, his mother Annie Bell James in 2000; brother, Wendell James in 1989; and sister, Joan Bupp in 2003.

Charles is survived by his son, Scott James and his wife Babs of Acton. Grandchildren: Aaron James of Abilene, Ashley Knapp and husband Nick of Granbury and Amanda Bernal of Anson, Texas. Step-Grandsons: Randal Cain of Bosque County, and Ryan Cain and wife Ashley of Venus. Great-Grandchildren: Laila James, Natalie Knapp, Zaylee and Payzlee Bernal, Cutter, Raylee and Cambree Cain, Kaleice, Kadence and Kinsler Cain. Sister-in-law, Claudean James of Bedford. Nephew, Rory James and wife Jackie of Mansfield. Niece, Lelaina Jordan and husband Reece of Bedford. Two great-nieces and two great-nephews. Numerous cousins and many friends.

The family would like to give special thanks to the Granbury Arbor House and their dedicated staff for the care given to Charles for the last two years. Several members of the staff became like family to Charles and probably should be listed as such. And Special thanks to Encompass Health Hospice for the care and comfort given to Charles the last two months. We especially want to give thanks to Cindi Acosta RN. As a Nurse with Encompass Home Health she assisted Charles at his home three years prior for several months and then she cared for him these last few months in the capacity of a Nurse with Encompass Health Hospice. She is a one of a kind special person and we are so thankful for her dedication and compassion towards Charles.