James Preston Sappington Jr.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA: James “Jimmy” Preston Sappington, Jr., 87, went to be with his Lord on Monday, December 17, 2012 in Mesa, Arizona. His life vision was to persevere in self-improvement and faithfully serve his Lord, family, friends, church, and community. He was instrumental in founding churches, communities, and a city.

Jimmy was born on April 19, 1925 to James P. Sappington, Sr. and Onalee Quinn Sullivan in Ecru, Mississippi. Sappington enlisted in the U.S. Navy in April 1943 and served in the Pacific theatre of World War II. He was honorably discharged in 1946 and entered Reserve service in the Navy until his discharge in 1952.

Jimmy was united in marriage to Margie Lee Mayfield on November 1, 1946 in Memphis, Tennessee and was married 63 years until her death.

Jimmy earned employment in 1948 with the H.W. Lay Company and ultimately rose to become Vice President of Sales of the Frito-Lay Company in 1966. In this capacity he facilitated tremendous growth of the company as both national and international sales manager, then retiring in 1980. He led numerous civic projects including the initiative and fund-raising to found and build the Community Hospital in Irving, Texas. Real estate ventures in Runaway Bay, Texas and later in Pendaries, New Mexico were integral aspects of his later life.

Sappington was preceded in death by his wife and son, Michael Eugene Sappington. Survivors include his sister, Geraldine Prichard of Michie, Tennessee; his son, James “Jim” Preston Sappington III of Runaway Bay, Texas and daughters Karin Kaye Frye of Salida, Colorado and Carol Sappington Lee of Phoenix, Arizona; his grandchildren, David Sappington, Matthew Sappington, Evan Frye, Drew Frye, Sean Frye, James “Jay” Sappington IV, Joel Sappington, and Jed Sappington; his great grandchildren, Jadyn, Eli, Colton, and Asher; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. He was lovingly known as “Big Daddy” by his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral was held at 10 a.m. Thursday, December 20th at Chapel of the Chimes in Glendale, Arizona with burial in Resthaven Park Cemetery. Minister Steve Lee officiated. Pallbearers included Jim Sappington, Jay Sappington, Jed Sappington, Evan Frye, Jim Lee, and Craig Martin.