James "Nelton" Humphries

James "Nelton" Humphries, whose adventurous spirit and zest for life inspired everyone who knew him, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2025, at the age of 69.
From the moment he could, Nelton sought out every thrill and challenge life had to offer. He flew hot air balloons high above the countryside, explored the deep blue through scuba diving, and loved helping prepare cars to race down the drag strip - always with a smile that said he was exactly where he belonged. Despite all of his personal adventures, his greatest joy came from supporting his boys in their many endeavors, from junior drag racing to marching band. Whether soaring through the skies, diving beneath the waves, or cheering from the sidelines, Nelton was always in pursuit of joy, freedom, and the next great adventure.
Beyond his daring pursuits, Nelton will be remembered for his warmth, laughter, and the way he made every person he met feel like part of his journey. He loved deeply, lived boldly, and reminded us all to embrace life with both hands and an open heart.
He is survived by his loving wife, Dana; sons, Garrett and his wife, Taylor, and Hunter; granddaughter, Violet Marie; brother, Gary Humphries, and his wife, Ranelle; mother-in-law, Brenda Holland; his beloved nieces and nephews; and a vast number of friends - all of whom will carry forward his adventurous spirit and love of life.
A celebration of Nelton's remarkable life will be held graveside, 2:00 pm, Sunday, November 9, 2025, at Center Hill Cemetery in Linden, Texas. In honor of his free spirit, attendees are encouraged to share stories, laughter, and memories that capture the joy he brought to so many.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Nelton by doing something that makes you feel alive - take a chance, chase a dream, or simply pause to enjoy the beauty of the world around you - just as he always did.
The family also asks for your support of the Tough Cookie Foundation of Texarkana, an organization that provides assistance to cancer patients in our community. A QR code is available to link directly to their account for donations made in Nelton's honor.