James "Jim" Strickland

James “Jim” Strickland, 83, passed away March 5, 2021 surrounded by his family at his home in Tyler, TX. He was born November 20, 1937, in Ada, OK to the late Marie Stone and Frank Strickland. His wife Betty was truly the love of his life. This June they would have celebrated 63 years together. They were absolutely meant to be. Jim was the oldest of four children: sister, Louise “Sissy” Tate, brother, Frank “Butch” Strickland and Dennis Stone. He really had a long, wonderful life. He worked in the oil and gas industry. Before retiring he owned and operated Jim Strickland Production Services. This career took him all over the world, Libya, England and Norway to name a few overseas, then many beautiful states here in the USA. He was a hardworking man. He cared for everyone that worked for him, they always became family. He was good at what he did and loved every bit of it. He had many hobbies. The horse races are where he loved to be. He owned many prize-winning horses and loved everything about the track. He also loved to get out on the golf course on a beautiful day. He loved country music. Ray Price and Gene Watson were his favorite singers so when the opportunity to sing with Mr. Watson came up, he was thrilled and enjoyed that tremendously. He made an album with “Walk Me to the Door” as the hit song. We will cherish this forever. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother Butch. He is survived by his lovely wife, Betty Strickland of Tyler; his son, Jim Strickland and wife Jana of Houston; daughter, Nadia Strickland of Tyler; daughter, Suzanne Strickland and partner Toni of Tyler; his three grand girls, Ashley Greener and husband Blake of Rockwall, Sara Kennedy and husband Steven of Kingwood and Jamie Smith and husband Jeremy of Tyler; great-granddaughters, Ellie Greener, Evelyn Kennedy and Lillian Smith; one great-grandson, Sullivan Kennedy; and an extended family that loved him and he loved in return. He was known as “Papa” to all, this started with his granddaughter Jamie. She was his partner and sidekick until Jamie and Jeremy’s daughter was born. Lillian Marie Smith, named after Papa’s grandmother and mother. She was his sunshine, and he was hers. He would tell everyone “she beat all he ever did see”. The family will have a private graveside ceremony under the care of Stewart Family Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Tyler, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to the charity of your choice.

James "Jim" Strickland

November 20, 1937 - March 5, 2021