J. L. Peace

J. L. passed away peacefully on May 31, 2023, in Grand Saline, Texas. He was born on March 2, 1933, in Canton, Texas to James Lee Peace, Sr. and Grace Maurine Carpenter Peace.

The Peace family settled in Canton in the early 1870s, with J.L. growing up and retiring there. He graduated from Canton High School and was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church in Canton. J. L. proudly served in the Korean War as a young man. He married his true love on June 3, 1956. The couple was only three days away from celebrating 67 wonderful years of marriage.

J. L. was an automotive mechanic by trade and worked at Canton Motors for over 30 years and also worked for Van Zandt County Precinct 2. He was active in the community. J. L. was a volunteer firefighter for 25 years as part of the Canton volunteer fire department that the Peace family helped start in the 1890s with newly purchased fire extinguishers to protect the city. J. L. enjoyed hunting and fishing; just being outdoors watching and feeding the squirrels made him happy. J. L. was a large presence in the lives of those who knew and loved him. His memory will live on in their hearts.

J.L. is preceded in death by his parents, James, Sr. and Grace Peace.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Billie Peace; his daughter, Tammy Gilmore and husband, Mike; son, Jimmy Peace and wife, Sylvia; grandson, Capp Peace and wife, Natasha; great-granddaughter, Billie Peace; sister, Elizabeth Bruner; sisters in-law, Sherry Ward and Judy Wise, as well as many nephews, nieces, and cousins; and a host of friends.

Honorary pallbearers are Capp Peace, Billy Jack Peace, Jr., Joey Peace, Danny Bruner, Mark Wise, Jeffrey Wise, Jerry Wayne Ward, Kenneth Dean, James Littlejohn, Al Campbell, Martha Weatherall, Bear Childs, Virgil Jones, along with Johnny Higginbotham and Jerry Priest (posthumously).

The family would especially like to thank the staff at Azalea Trails Nursing Home in Grand Saline for taking great care of J.L. in his last days. You are much appreciated for the jobs you do.

Interment will be at Haven of Memories Memorial Park in Canton, Texas.