James William Tyler

James William Tyler HOBBS, NM-James William Tyler, 87, was born on Oct. 11, l927, in Crosbyton, Texas, to Gordon and Veda Tyler. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home on Jan. 21, 2015, in Hobbs, NM. Although James had a l0th grade education, his strong work ethic enabled him to become a successful businessman and entrepreneur. He believed in an honest day's work for an honest day's pay and believed that a person's word and handshake was all that was necessary. James married Joyce Reed in 1947 in Crosbyton, Texas. They moved to Hobbs in 1964 to work in the oilfield business. He began his career by working for Cactus Drilling Company, M&B Fishing Tools and Baber Well Service before establishing Tyler Well Service in 1977 with one pulling unit. He built up his company to nine when his son, Jim joined the business in 1986. His passion was hunting elk on the Mescalero Reservation with his friends and family, occasionally falling off his horse and rolling down the mountain. He enjoyed ruining a good steak on the grill but prided himself on his deer liver and onions at hunting camp. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports and collecting their homerun baseballs. He supported the Andrews County Stock shows by bidding on and buying various animals only to donate them back. He funded many girl trips for his wife and daughters through the years and supported his grandchildren's scholastic endeavors. His dog, Tip was a good companion, including being driven in the golf cart around the office. A master storyteller, James could tell (drag) a story for hours. He always made sure his family was never in need of advice. He enjoyed taking his family out to eat at the place of his choice. He especially enjoyed hamburgers from Kendall's and a chocolate milkshake from Kaleidoscoops. James had many friends and enjoyed having coffee with them. He worked as a greeter at Taylor Street Church of Christ. He loved telling jokes and tickling people. He served in the Merchant Marines after WWII, was a member of the NRA, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Quail Unlimited. In 2008 James was honored by receiving the Trustee of Free Enterprise Award; University of the Southwest's most distinguished award for outstanding business achievements. He is survived by his wife, Joyce of Hobbs; two daughters, Janis Payne of Andrews; Judy Spoonts and husband, Tommy of Lubbock; one son, Jim Tyler and wife, Rhonda of Hobbs; and one sister, Bennie McMillan of Lubbock. He had nine grandchildren: Jim and Neil Payne of Andrews; Carrye Baker and husband, Garrett of San Angelo; Jason Tyler and wife, Amanda of Andrews; Kenzie Dempsey and husband, Alex of Katy, Texas; Robby Davis of Middlefield, Ohio; Tyler Spoonts of Lubbock; and Byron and Jordan Tyler of Hobbs. He was blessed with three great-grandchildren: Payten Joyce and husband, Jeff of San Angelo; Landon Payne of Andrews, and Kaden Baker of San Angelo. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Catherin Justus; and one great-great-grandson, Brantley Joyce. The family would like to give a special thank you to his caregiver, Cynthia Forbes, Dr. Kankanala and staff, Dr. Shoukfeh and Hobbs EMS responders. Visitation will be held Sunday, Jan. 25, from 1 to 5 p.m. with family in attendance 2 to 4 p.m. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at Taylor St. Church of Christ, 216 E. Taylor in Hobbs. In lieu of flowers the family would like any memorial contributions donated to the Children's Home of Lubbock, 4404 Idalou Rd., Lubbock, TX 79403. Services are under the direction of Chapel of Hope Funeral Home, Hobbs, www.chapelofhopefunerals.com.