James Watt Kiker III

James Watt Kiker III - Jimmy - of Odessa, TX, was born on March 8, 1952, in Tulia, TX, to Vonda Clevenger Kiker and James Watt Kiker II. He grew up on the same farm his father did, one that his paternal grandfather, James Kiker, purchased in 1902. He attended Tulia schools, where he played football as a Tulia Hornet and participated in FFA, among other activities. He graduated from Tulia High School in 1970. He then attended Lubbock Christian College, where he met Vicki Hadley, the love of his life.

Vicki and Jimmy were married just over 50 years ago, on September 13, 1971. In the early months of his marriage, Jimmy worked for a farmer in Tulia, but in January of 1973, he and his family moved to Odessa, where he embarked on a successful welding career that continued until July of this year.

Jimmy was a kind, gentle “people person” with a great sense of humor, and loved talking to anyone and everyone. His friends are too numerous to count, and he never forgot the time he spent with them. He had an amazing memory, and could tell the best stories about his life experiences. He had numerous interests, and he enjoyed them the most when he was sharing them with family and friends. We will miss all the delicious food he cooked for us, especially his ribs and beans.

Jimmy and Vicki were blessed with three wonderful children and the six best grandchildren in the whole world. Their well-being was his top priority, and he always prayed for them and supported and encouraged them in any way he could. They brought him immense joy, and he was proud of each and every one of them.

Jimmy’s faith in God was his guiding light in life, and because of this, we are confident that if we follow his example, we will one day join him in Heaven. This was his greatest wish for everyone.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Vicki of the home, his three children, James (Brandye) of Pagosa Springs, CO, Cody (Brandi) of Rockwall, TX, and Candace (Shane) of Odessa, TX, and his grandchildren, Marlee of Odessa, TX, Gavin of Winooski, VT, Ryann of Rockwall, TX, Hayden of Pagosa Springs, CO, Alex of Rockwall, TX, Gracelyn of Pagosa Springs, CO, and bonus granddaughter, Megan (La) of Fort Worth, TX.

He is also survived by his mother, Vonda Clevenger Woolsey of Canyon, TX, sister Vicki Kiker of Canyon, TX, brother Jeff Kiker of Tulia, TX, brother Jan (Joanna) of Midland, TX, brother-in-law Tim Hadley (Nan) of Lubbock, TX, sister-in-law Mary Anne Martin (Scott) of Odessa, TX, brother-in-law Robert Hadley of Lake Jackson, TX, sister-in-law Elizabeth Leader (Joe) of Salem, CT, uncle Charles Kiker (Patricia) of Tulia, TX, aunt Teresa Kiker of Tulia, TX, stepmother Carolyn Kiker of Tulia, TX, and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and other family members. He was preceded in death by his father, James Watt Kiker II.

A visitation will be on Thursday, September 23, from 5 - 9 p.m. at Frank W. Wilson funeral home in Odessa, TX.

The funeral service will be on Friday, September 24, at 1 p.m. at Sherwood Church of Christ, 49th & Dixie, in Odessa, TX.

Interment will be on Saturday, September 25, at 1 p.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery in Tulia, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated for Odessa Christian School, 2000 Doran, Odessa, TX 79761, or Camp iHope, 3100 Independence Pkwy, Suite 311-342, Plano, TX 75075.