James Reed Mears

Memorial service will be held on Monday, August 9, 2010 at 10:00 a.m., at First Baptist Church in Lubbock, Texas with Rev. Jerry Ramirez officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Riley Wooten, Bentley Page, John Dodson, Don Feazell, David Cave, Tom Young and Cobb Benham.

James was born in Cap City, Texas (north of Athens) on October 22, 1932 to James O. and Dessie Reed Mears. He moved to West Texas in 1934. James attended grade school in Grassland, Texas and then moved to Lubbock in 1942 where he attended Dupree grade school, Thompson Junior High and graduated from Lubbock High School in 1950. He married Lillie Catherine Smith in 1951. She preceded him in death in 1988.

James was a 50 year 32nd Degree Mason. He was Past President, Vice President and Secretary of Lubbock Used Car Association and Lubbock New Car Association for many years. He was a member of NADA (Nation Automobile Dealers Association), AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) and ABC (American Bowling Congress). He held the National Record in 1973-1976 in NHRA (National Hot Rod Association). His hobbies included fishing, golfing, bowling, tennis, boxing, hunting, baseball, model airplanes, building resort properties, was an avid car restorer and loved story-telling to his friends and family.

James had a long background in the car business with Modern Chevrolet and Montgomery Volkswagen prior to opening his own used car dealership, Mears Motors in 1971. In 1975 the Mazda franchise was purchased and he operated the business on 43rd and Ave. Q. After a few years the business was moved to 19th and Ave L. In 1981 the Volvo franchise was added to the business. In 2001 the dealership moved to its current location of Spur 327 and Iola. James retired in 1983 leaving his sons to take over. James was very proud of his exceptionally close family and friends.

He was preceded in death by both parents, one son, Mark who died at birth, his wife, Lillie Catherine (Kay), second wife, Cherry Melcher Mears and a sister, Wanda Lee Kenley.

James is survived by two sons, Bobby Dale Mears and James Andrew and wife Jan Mears both of Lubbock, 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

The family requested that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the American Cancer Society in the name of James and Kay Mears.