James Richard Fleming

Carrollton, TX – James Richard Fleming passed away on June 3, 2025, at Carrolton Regional Medical Center, in the hospice care center. Richard was born July 1, 1935, in a log cabin in Smith County Texas. He was the son of the late Rufus Hall Fleming and Julia Louise Kennedy. Richard was predeceased by his soulmate and wife of 62 years, Carol Jean Goranson.

Richard grew up on a farm outside of Lindale, TX and learned the values of hard work while farming with his family. His high school chemistry teacher encouraged him to go to college. He was the first family member to attend college, and he graduated from East Texas State University in 1956 with a degree in Vocational Agriculture and minor in General Science. It was there that he met the love of his life Carol Jean. The two married on January 19, 1957. Richard’s studies in agriculture and chemistry led him to employment at the US Department of Agriculture, Dairy Division in Dallas, Texas.

He began his career in June 1956, as a milk-sampler tester. He was promoted to positions of chemist and investigator prior to being appointed as assistant Market Administrator in January 1968. Richard was appointed Market Administrator in 1988. He had been passionate and instrumental to the dairy industry in developing several of the basic concepts currently used today for verifying milk volumes and other standards. He retired in January 2009 after 52 years of dedicated service to the Market Administrator’s office and Federal Order Program.

Richard and Carol settled in Farmers Branch, where they raised their 4 children. They were active members of Christ United Methodist Church, where they met many of their best friends. Richard not only had a full career in the Dairy Industry he had many hobbies and entrepreneurial developments. From purchasing a farm on Sandy Lake Road where he introduced his children to horses and cows; traveling all over the United States during the summers where he showed his children how to hike, camp and fish. He was an accomplished wood craftsman and repairman, which came in handy for his rental properties and Old Craft Store. When he and Carol retired, they pursued antique shopping and collecting. They purchased The Finishing Touch Antique mall, where a lot of their antiques went. He also made many new friends around The Carrollton Square who will miss him dearly. Richard loved all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They have fond memories of the climbing gym, shopping in the stores of downtown Carrollton, and so many adventures with Carol and Richard in their van.

Richard is survived by his twin daughters Penny Hudson (John) and Pam Nelson (King),

as well as the sons Jim Fleming (Sallye) and Jerry Fleming. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Phyllis Bronder and his brothers-in-law Ron Goranson (Terry) and Tom Goranson. He is predeceased by his sister Onie Pearl Wright and survived by her husband Darwin Wright.

Richard is also survived by 9 grandchildren Kristen Newcom (Seth), Maggie Pressley (Thomas), Katy Frees (Nathan), Grace Hudson, Kelly Setness (Brock), Sara Cox (Andy),

Randall Nelson (Su), James Fleming (Sarah) Jack Hudson (Elizabeth) along with 11 great-grandchildren.

A Graveside Service will be held for the immediate family at Hilltop Memorial Park on June 28, 2025. The family will receive family and friends for a Celebration and Remembrance of Richard at the Plaza Arts Center in Downtown Carrollton from 2:00 to 4:00pm.