Ronnie Davis James (affectionately known as Papa, Peepaw, Pop, and/or Papa Roni) went
Home to be with Jesus on Saturday, March 15, 2025. His family provided tender, loving care for
him as his health declined over the last few months. His last day on earth was spent exactly as
he wished, at home, with family.

Ronnie was born in Abilene, TX, on January 18th , 1948, to Mildred Faye (Henderson) and Carter
Davis James.

The mark of a man can be seen in many ways: how he treats his family, the way he overcomes
obstacles, and by the impression he leaves on those who knew him. The impression left by
Ronnie is immeasurable.

Ronnie lived a life of service, love, and respect. He was calm, patient, and quiet in his
mannerisms. He had a dry sense of humor that often had to be explained to those who didn't
know him, and he always said if he wasn't "picking on you," he didn't like you.

He met the love of his life, Kathryn (Kathy) Lovelady, in San Bernardino, California, in 1959
when he was 11 years old. After years of trying to convince her that she liked him, they married
on October 25th , 1969, and their love continued to grow for the next 55 ½ years of marriage.
Ronnie was a Sergeant E5 "squad leader" in the 101st Airborne Division of the Army. He was
drafted into the Army on November 15 th , 1967, and served his country for two years, with one
year of active duty in Vietnam. He received a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service
Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and a Bronze Star Army Commendation Medal for his
service.

Ronnie was a jack of all trades, and there was not much that he couldn't do. He worked various
jobs throughout his life, doing whatever was necessary to support his family, and he retired as
Red River County Precinct 2 commissioner in June of 2001 after having served two terms. After
retirement, he continued to serve and support his family in many ways. He was always available
to assist with anything they needed, whether it was providing physical assistance, building or
fixing something, emotional support, advice, or just a hug. Ronnie offered his services quietly,
without fanfare or bragging, and without expecting anything in return. Everything he did was
done with love, and if he couldn't fix it, it probably couldn't be fixed.

He had great respect for nature and wild game. He and Kathy raised a garden each year,
joyfully sharing the fruits of their labor with friends and family. He enjoyed annual trips to New
Mexico to hunt elk with his grandsons, Landan and Layne, along with some of his closest
friends. Men who respect things they can't control learn the importance of humility. His family
witnessed Ronnie handle hard things and face the trials of life with grace, dignity, perseverance,
and humility. His wife and daughters consider him the strongest person they have ever known.
Nothing was more important to Ronnie than his family. He and Kathy raised two daughters the
Old-Fashioned Way - with a well-balanced blend of Tough and Tender and an all-out No-
Nonsense Approach. Words used to describe him as a father are strong, godly, patient, loving,
consistent, and a big fan of ice cream. His girls took note of and were greatly affected by the
many sacrifices he made for his family. They admired him and never questioned the
unconditional love he gave. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren received the same
treatment as his daughters. Each was certain of his love for them and knew they were welcome
to crawl up in his lap or give him a great big hug. He was a loving, stable, unselfish, ever-
present Family Man.

As a husband he considered Kathy his best friend and greatest blessing. He gave his life to her
and found satisfaction spending his time with her doing all the things - camping, cooking,
fishing, raising a family, and retiring. They were not shy about expressing their love and
appreciation for each other. Ronnie was an example to all husbands for showing genuine love to
their wives, and together he and Kathy exemplified dedication and devotion in marriage and
family.

He is predeceased by his parents, his older brother Johnnie James, and his younger brother
Michael James.

He leaves his mark on those he loved most who are left behind to grieve his absence: loving
wife Kathy of the home in Antlers, OK; daughters Sheila Gilliam and husband JC of Caviness,
TX and Kim Herrington and husband John of Rosalie, TX. Grandchildren Amanda Lee and
Lorenzo Shaw of Denison, TX, Landan Lee of Langley AF Base Hampton, VA and Kellie Ashby
of Lakenheath AF Base, Suffolk England UK, Layne Lindeman and wife Lauren of Clarksville,
TX, and Karlee Alston and husband Sam of Palestine, TX. Bonus grandchildren Morgan Watson
and husband Thomas of Paris, TX, Hannah McKinney and husband Jay of Paris, TX, Shelby
Accettura and husband Austin of Soper, OK, and Trevor Gilliam of Caviness, TX. Great
grandchildren Zaedan Shaw, Landri Lindeman, and Lake Lindeman, and Bonus Great
grandchildren Maebry, Clyde, and Briggs Mckinney, and Kye and Kota Watson.
He is also survived by his loving twin sister Connie Hines of Cisco, TX , sister Janice Pearce
and brother Larry James both of Oregon, as well as a host of brothers and sisters in-law, nieces,
nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

The family will host a Celebration of Life on Sunday March 30th at 3:00 p.m. at the Red River
Valley Veterans Memorial at Love Civic Center in Paris, TX. All are invited to attend. In lieu of
flowers, donations can be made to the Red River Valley Veterans Memorial, the Fisher House
Foundation, or the Vietnam Veterans of America charity.