James Silhan was born in Pep, TX to Frank and Frances Silhan on August 17, 1931. He attended school in Morton, TX. James served in the United States Army from November 1954-September 1956 during the Korean War and was a reservist until November 1962. He was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Freemason.
James married Billye Louise Irwin on April 12, 1957, in Lovington, N.M. They were married 49 years at the time of her death in 2006. They raised their three children in Kermit, TX where they lived for 41 years. During that time, James worked in the oil and gas industry of the Permian Basin and Southeast New Mexico. In 1982, James co-founded JSM Drilling, a successful drilling company, he ran for 15 years before selling out to Patterson-UTI at the age of 66. In 1998, James and his wife moved to Levelland. James returned to his roots by acquiring land and farming, which he did for the remainder of his life.
James Silhan is preceded in death by his wife, Billye; his son, Ronald; his parents and 4 siblings. James is survived by his daughter, Phyllis Davis of Duncan. OK; his son Randy and wife Shannon of Lubbock; six grandchildren: Shannon Sanders, Jamie Silhan, Kyle Silhan, Kerry Silhan, Samantha Silhan, and Landry Silhan; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Rose Lytle of Ft.Worth; brother, Charley Silhan of Morton, and sister Mary Shakespeare and husband of Levelland; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.
The family of James Silhan wishes to express their appreciation and gratitude to Terie Gardner and the staff at Wilshire on 4th as well as Traditions Hospice for the care and devotion given to our loved one. Also, thank you friends for your prayers and concerns.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Scottish Rite Hospital for Children or a charity of your choice.
The family invites you to celebrate and honor his life with a Celebration of Life service on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at 1pm in Resthaven Funeral Home Abbey Chapel. Interment with military honors will follow in Resthaven Memorial Park.
For shared memories and online tributes, please visit: www.ResthavenFuneralHome.com
