James Edward Airhart Jr.

James Edward Airhart, Jr. LAMESA-James Edward Airhart, Jr. (Jimmy) passed peacefully from this life at his home in Lamesa surrounded by his family. Jimmy, the oldest of the six children of Pearl and J.E. Airhart was born in Knott, Texas, in Howard County on Sept. 14, 1935. He helped raise his younger siblings and drove a tractor at an early age on the family farm in Sparenburg. He attended school at Sparenburg until it closed in 1948, and then entered Klondike ISD where he was an accomplished athlete. He met his future wife, Mary Forehand, as they attended Howard College in Big Spring. They both continued college at Texas Tech. After their marriage in 1957, they made their home on a farm in Sparenburg. Four children and several failed crops later, Jimmy returned to education and obtained his Master's Degree and administrative certification from Sul Ross State University. Upon graduation, he taught at Sands ISD in Ackerly where he also served as principal, then one year at Lamesa High School, and later to Dawson ISD at Welch where he taught and later became superintendent. Jimmy excelled as a teacher and gained the respect and admiration of his students as well as the teachers and staff that he worked with. Following family tradition, he also raised nurse cows and beef cattle. Jimmy's love of sports was lifelong. He was a fierce competitor. His volleyball team (SPARS) won 1st place in many area tournaments. He loved watching his children and grandchildren compete in sports, loved attending the Texas UIL state basketball tournaments for both boys and girls, and supported the Texas Tech Red Raiders as long as his mobility allowed. Later, he became an armchair supporter of the Rangers, Mavericks, and Cowboys. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Mary of 59 years; four children: Teri Jones (Sam), Tracey Harris (Brian), Tanya Harley (Jerry), and Todd Airhart (Sonnya). He and his wife are blessed with 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three brothers, Donald of Lubbock, Quinton (Sharon) and Gayland (Donna) of Lamesa; and two sisters, Judy Everts of Lamesa, and Glenda Shortes (Don) of Ackerly. He worshipped with the Church of Christ in Lamesa where funeral services will be held on Monday, Aug. 8, at 2 p.m. with Mark Hackett officiating. Interment will follow in Lamesa Memorial Park under the direction of Branon Funeral Home. Visitation will be at Branon Funeral Home from 3 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 7th. Jimmy and his wife resided in Lamesa for 25 years after retirement. Their immediate family increased to 50 with two more expected this year. He loved them all, and served as surrogate grandfather for many of their friends. He was much loved and was a positive influence on all who knew him. To send condolences online, please visit www.branonfuneralhome.com.