James Ernest Whiteley

James Ernest Whiteley, 76, passed away on September 19, 2020, in Athens, Texas.  He was born on March 8, 1944, in Terrell, Texas, to James Edward Whiteley and Julia Wilma Whiteley.

James worked at Falcon Steel in Kaufman, Texas for many years, and spent his retired life working around the family farm.  It was not uncommon to look outside and see him riding around the pasture checking his cows while drinking coffee.  He was the definition of a true family man.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and son.

James is preceded in death by his father James Edward Whiteley; sister Shirley Snell; and niece Vaeda Lowery.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years Diane Whiteley; mother Julia Wilma Whiteley; sister Rita Avant and husband Johnny; daughter Shelia Love and husband James, daughter Stacy Yakesch and husband Freddy, daughter Jyma Warren; son James Eric “Bubba” Whiteley and wife Kelsey; grandchildren Candice, Colton, Jayci, Jalyn, Chesney, Easton, and Korbyn; great-grandchildren Paislee and McCoy; and many other loved ones.  James will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.