James Preston Eeds, Jr.

As a youngster, his father’s career with the railroad took the family to Tuscaloosa, AL where they lived near the University of Alabama. He shared with us this fond memory of he and his older sister, Evelyn, hanging out at the Crimson Tide football team practices and retrieving errant footballs for them.

Jim’s family later moved to Dallas, TX where he graduated from Adamson High School. During this time, he developed a love for “hot rod” cars which stayed with him his entire life. His favorite hobbies were centered around car races and car shows. Upon graduation in 1943, with WWII in full swing, he joined the Army Air Corps. He served as an aircraft mechanic and Aerial Gunner with the rank of Airman First Class until 1946, when the war had ended. While attending an USO performance in Dallas, TX, a beautiful girl who was one of the singers caught his eye. When he started to approach her, she slipped into the ladies room and hid because she was very shy. Jim patiently waited for her to come out, and his persistence paid off. Wanda Anderson soon became his wife. Married 58 years, they had 2 sons, Dr. James Stephen Eeds and Dr. Michael Edward Eeds. Jim loved to spend time with his sons, encouraging their academic, sports and musical endeavors along with sharing his love of car races with them.

Jim was industrious and a hard worker. His early career was as a representative for an office equipment company. Later he joined other partners in developing residential lake properties in the Baywood, Cedar Crest Shores and Loon Bay divisions at Cedar Creek Lake, TX.

Jim was involved in the Shriners as well as Veterans organizations. He and his family attended Tyler Street Methodist Church, Dallas and later First Baptist Church, Dallas.

In his later years, Jim resided in Corsicana, TX, where his son Mike and his family live. Here he made many friends and loved nothing better than to go to Country Western shows where his son’s band Triple Nickel played. Jim was outgoing and never met a stranger. He loved the Lord, his family and friends and attended First Baptist Church of Corsicana.

Preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Eeds, son, James Stephen Eeds, parents, James Preston Eeds, Sr. and Nettie Hill Eeds, and sister, Evelyn Eeds Chapman.

Jim is survived by son, Dr. Mike Eeds, (Evie Eeds), Daughter-in-law, Susan Eeds, grandchildren, Chad Eeds, (Kacey), Dr. Erika Eeds, Amie Eeds Smith(Paul), Alex Eeds (Casie), Blaire Eeds. Great grandchildren Van Smith, Elle Smith, Lakai Eeds, Elijah Ungerman and Ozzy Eeds.

Jim was dearly loved and will be missed. We look forward to the day we will see him again. A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, August 28,2021 at First Baptist Church of Corsicana at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:

Homes For Troops www.hfotusa.org/getinvolved/support_our_mission/ways_donate/

Gary Sinise Foundation

www.GarySiniseFoundation.org/veterans/donate

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.laurellanddallas.com for the Eeds, family.