James William Heginbotham

James William Heginbotham, a cherished father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and beloved friend, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, at the age of 97. Born on February 17, 1929, in Wichita Falls, Texas, James lived a life deeply rooted in love, service, and adventure.

James was the treasured son of C.R. Heginbotham and Maude Lela Robinson, who predeceased him, along with his beloved wife, Betty June Heginbotham, with whom he shared 62 beautiful years of marriage. His siblings, Russell, Roy, Lloyd, Mattie Lou, Doris, Charlene, and Virginia, also preceded him in passing his daughter Marsha Bloss and son James Heginbotham Jr.; Grandchildren James Heginbotham III and Great Grandchildren Gavin Ashmore, leaving behind a legacy of family bonds that James cherished deeply.

He is survived by four children Judy Alderman of Fort Worth, TX; Paula Franklin Holly Lake, TX; Randy and his wife Cindy Heginbotham of Bastrop, TX; and B.J. and her husband Rodney Phillips of Carthage, TX. James had numerous Grandchildren, Great grandchildren in which his voice filled any room with love, kindness, songs and laughter.

James wanted to join the United States Navy, but was denied entry. When he went to the Air Force Recruiting Station the recruiter snatched him up saying that he was "A Good Fit." A proud veteran, James answered the call to serve his country with the United States Air Force at the tender age of 18, serving as a Crew Man in the 393rd Bomber Squadron. His military service, spanning from March 24, 1947, to February 27, 1950, was a period he spoke of with great pride and respect.

After an honorable discharge, James embarked on a fulfilling career with the Burlington Northern Railroad. He began his career as a Fireman first and later promoted to Engineer. He ran and worked on many different types of locomotive and steam engines and was extremely proud when he talked about them. He later served as the Chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive for BN Railroad for many years.

Lifelong devoted Christian who loved and served the Lord with all his heart by dedicating his life to living the path that the Lord has commanded us to live.

James was a man of many hobbies and talents. He was a machinist, carpenter, mechanic, plumber and basically could fix anything no matter what it was. He was a hunter, fisherman, traveler that won first place on board one of his cruises playing the air guitar, he was a Mark Twain of his life that told many stories about the adventures he had been on through his life. He was a singer, collector of stamps, coins, guns, knives and whatever sparked his attention at the time. He was an avid dancer of the twist, garage sale seeker and his love for trains never ended. Most important of all he was devoted to all of his family.

James was a man with many names: "Dad/Daddy," "Grandpa," "PePaw," "PaPaw," and other nicknames. His biggest nickname that we all can think of is "Friend!" He taught most of us that money does not grow on trees and that you have to "Show me the Money!" if you wanted to go somewhere or do something. For many of us he was always loving and encouraging to be the best in whatever we did and to not give up if we wanted something. His time was everything to him. If he said we were leaving at a certain time and you were not ready he would leave without you. Sometimes he would go get in the car and wait, but not for long unless you were Mamaw. He knew he had to wait then and had no choice in that matter. In the past few years he even wanted to set up a system of wires from his brain to someone else's brain to give them all his knowledge and his secrets of his life. Finally, he always went around brightening everyone’s morning with a smile and a quote by Zig Ziglar “Oh Boy It’s Going to be a Great Day!”

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Bobby and Pat Horton, Paula Griffin, Barbie Gonzalez, Rhonda Boone, Dr. R. Reddy, countless friends, family members and many other Physicians who assisted and supported James with compassion and dedication.

A service to celebrate James Heginbotham’s remarkable life will be held on June 22, 2026 at Shannon Funeral Chapel, 6001 Rufe Snow Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76148. Visitation will be from 10:30 to 11: 30AM and the service will be from 11:30 to 12:30 followed by the graveside service at Bluebonnet Cemetery, 5725 Colleyville BLVD, Colleyville, TX 76034 at 2:30PM. James's legacy of love and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.