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James Tindell Obituary
December 27, 1960 - April 28, 2021
Cleburne , Texas - James Lauren Tindell passed away peacefully at his home in Cleburne, surrounded by family, on April 28, 2021. He is preceded in death by his father, Dean Tindell, mother Joyce Dombrowski, and brother Paul Tindell. James is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Shawn; son Chris Tindell and his wife Marisa and their daughter Joie; daughter Rachel DeChard and her husband Patrick and their son James.
James was born on December 27, 1960, in Fort Worth. Jim graduated from L.D. Bell High School in 1979 and pursued a career in emergency response with the Bedford Fire Department starting as a volunteer at 16 years old. Jim rose through the ranks and retired as the Bedford Fire Chief after 39 years with the department. Jim was committed to a life of service, both through work and his free time in which he volunteered many years with youth sport organizations such as the Mid-Cities Pee Wee Football and Cheerleading Association and the Bedford Swim Team.
Jim enjoyed spending time at the coast, cruising, fishing, and camping with family and friends. He loved to ride his Harley motorcycle and listen to rock-n-roll.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of James Tindell to the MCPWFCA at https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/1562003
Many thanks to all our friends and family during this time of loss. We also want to acknowledge the excellent nurses and doctors at UT Southwestern for their compassionate care.
A celebration of life will take place Saturday (5/1) at the Old Bedford School (2400 School Ln Bedford, TX 76021) from 11a-12p.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Tindell
Sponsored by the Star-Telegram.
Dr Randy Lockhart
February 15, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are still with Chief, James, Tindell´s family. May God continue to bless and comfort you.
Johnny
February 14, 2023
Miss you brother! Wish we were still riding motorcycles together.
Johnny B.
Dr Randy Lockhart
March 23, 2022
Tindell Family
Chief was an amazing individual. He supported our Santa program for many years and he would always make time to talk to me about concerns, life in general, and just to fellowship.
May God continue to bless and comfort you.
Randy & Santa´s Texas Team
Melynda Hutchings
May 4, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Donation made to his charity in your husbands name Melybda Hutchings
Melynda Hutchings
May 4, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Bobbie (Roberta) Odom
May 1, 2021
James was the most caring person. He loved being a firefighter/ paramedic. I worked with James for many years. He loved people and helping them. He loved his family and doing things things with them. James was one of those people that I consider him a privilege to have known and worked with. James you will definitely be missed. God will take good care of you. Prayers coming your way
Dr. Roy Yamada
May 1, 2021
Chief. You were always so good to me as your Medical Director, for almost 20:years.. I am sorry, I did not even know you were ill.. may your family be comforted by your memory here on earth..and all of us who knew you.. thank you for allowing me to be innovative with Bedford Fire Department. All those years.. Rest In Peace..
Dr. and Mrs. Roy Yamada.
Teri and Annabelle Williams
May 1, 2021
I met Jimmy when I started dating Shawn's brother Bryan. He and Shawn welcomed me with open arms and always made me feel like part of the family even before Bryan and I got married. Our beautiful daughter Annabelle adored her uncle Jimmy and we are both so sad that his time in this life was cut way too short. Jimmy and Shawn helped us so much after Bryan died but that is just what they both do, they both love life and love their family and friends. Jimmy you are going to be missed by so many people, not only for your humor and pranks but also for the love, kindness and compassion you have shown to so many. I am so proud and blessed to have had you as a brother in law. Thank you for all the good times and memories you gave us over the years. We love you and will miss you dearly.
Gary Cochran
April 30, 2021
Jimmy was a great guy who started his fire service career with Bedford, about the same time as me. He was a person who stood up for others when they were down and would help them.back up no matter the what the situation was.
He was the one who convinced me to become sober, 28 years ago and I thank him for that everyday.
Jimmy, you will be missed and you can now go hang out with all of our buddies.
RIP my friend.
Gary Morphew
April 30, 2021
You many years of service will be honored by many! Rest in the hands of our savior!
SueAnn Schieda
April 30, 2021
My daughter, Marisa, married Jame’s son , Chris. I did not know him before they got together, but since sharing our children, he became a beloved member of our family. He has always been so generous with his time and thoughtfulness. I am devastated at his loss. He was a great Grandfather to Joie and little James and was looking forward to a new Granddaughter due in October. He was full of life and had so many adventures to look forward to. Now he is in the hands of God, and still with all of us. Rejoice in his life of service and fellowship! We love you, Jimmy, and look forward to seeing you again..Suzi Schieda
Andrea Curlee Maahfuz
April 30, 2021
Jimmy, my heart is devastated by this news. We have known each other since the 2nd grade at Stonegate Elem. Over the years, we had our shenanigans and going to concerts to hours of long conversations about the future. You were there for my granddaughters cheerleading to supporting my family after my brother's murder. Last I saw you, you were at my mom's funeral. I know you always thought of her as your 2nd mom. I have no doubt she was waiting for you too. It was good to see you enjoying retirement and your new grandbabies and yet I am angry that your life was unexpectedly cut short. I am glad you didn't know long or suffer long and that you were surrounded by your loving family as your soul departed. I know our soul doesn't die, it only changes forms. My heart is equally devastated for Shawn, Chris and Rachel at how quickly and deeply for their loss and how their lives have been impacted by this traumatic and untimely loss. I have been grieving the lasy 20 years and its a hard road. I know you will forever be watching over your family, Jimmy. You will be missed dearly but your legacy will live on through your children. Love never dies, not even by the physical death of our bodies. God bless you Jimmy on your final journey! Meet you on the other side!
Janice McKinney Burris
April 30, 2021
I was privileged to work with James in Emergency care for many years. James was professional, caring, and expert in EMS. On a personal level James was a caring friend.
Shawn, my heart breaks for you at this time. God will help and your kids through this painful time. You will get through the cloud and have precious memories.
Darla Brown
April 30, 2021
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Rest in peace Jimmy.
Johnny Barrington
April 30, 2021
I met James 23 years ago when I took a job with H-E-B school district. He worked part time for the district on his days off in the position that I would eventually take over full time. He showed me the ropes and we worked together that first year. After he stopped working with the district, we continued to keep in touch over the years. Although it would be years later before I ever met his wife and children, he used to talk about them a lot because they were students in the district. Several years ago when we ran into each other at the local Harley shop and realized that we both rode, we became fast friends. I have enjoyed being friends with James and Shawn. We have made some good memories that I will be able to cherish but I will miss all of the ones that we would have made in the years to come.
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