James Earl Speer
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James Earl Speer, age 83, was born on December 7, 1938, in Russellville, Arkansas, to the late Glenn Speer and Lucille (Bowden) Speer. He passed away in hospice care in Dallas with his wife and children at his side. James was raised outside of Lubbock until his parents moved to their farm near New Deal, Texas. James attended New Deal High School during his junior and senior years, participating in both football and basketball. It was during this time that James met and fell in love with Glena Phillips, both of whom were in the graduating class of 1957. James and Glena were married on October 6, 1957, at the New Deal Methodist Church. They were blessed with two daughters, six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and 65 years of marriage. James always knew what his life's pursuits would be, for he had a special calling. He wanted to live out his days as a husband, father, and farmer. James worked on his dad's farm growing up, where he developed his love of the land. As an adult, with his wife steadfast at his side, James set about making those dreams a reality. James worked for 16 years at Hobbs Trailers in Lubbock and, in 1965, purchased their first farm east of Lubbock, near Idalou. No matter the trials, and with farming in West Texas there were many, James continued year after year to plant cotton; never once losing his faith in God or the land. James truly loved being a farmer. His vision was to continue driving his tractor and working the land until his dying day, but God had a different plan. James had to retire from farming at the age of 73 due to health concerns, after which, he and Glena moved to the Dallas area to be close to their children and grandchildren. Upon retirement James' nephew, Eddie Speer, who is like a son, took over farming the land he loved so much. James and Glena continue to have their church membership at the United Methodist Church of Idalou, as they will always consider Idalou to be their home. James enjoyed drinking coffee with his fellow farmers and friends at the cotton gin. He was a man of his word, who considered a handshake an unbreakable bond. He was a wonderful man who will be greatly missed. James was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Lucille Speer, his two brothers, Norman Speer and Edsel Speer, and two sisters, Ann Bufe and Wanda Wren. Those who are left to cherish him are his wife, Glena; his daughter, Arinda Crawford and David of Gordon, Texas, and their family, Colin Crawford and Holly with children, Cali, Cameron, and Cooper, Caden Crawford and Hailey with children, Landry and Laken, and Carsyn Blakley and Nate with son Brooks; and his daughter Aricka Marshall and Robert of Gunter, Texas, and family Tanner Thiel and Cara with children, Tatum and Bode, T'Nae Thiel with daughter, Eliot, and Teagan Spears and Chad with children, Lawson and Gentri; his sister, Glena Hobgood; his brothers-in-law, Melvin Wren and Wilton Phillips; as well as many other special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. James' family would like to extend their most sincere gratitude to Mark Whitman, Bertha Perez, Juana Perez, and Maria Perez at Tophill Personal Care for the compassion and attentiveness he received while in their care. A graveside service will be held at a later date at the Idalou Cemetery in Idalou, Texas. To convey condolences or to sign an online registry, please visit tjmfuneral.com.