Jim was born on July 6th, 1941, in Houston, TX to parents Phil & Phylis Kenton. Jim’s Dad, Phil, was in the Navy in the early years of Jim’s life. When Jim was about 5 or 6, they moved to San Antonio, TX where Jim grew up. He attended Robert E Lee High School in San Antonio and then attended Tarleton State. It was at Tarleton that Sheron Self caught his eye and they started dating. On June 14, 1963, he married Sheron Self and 3 days later they moved to San Antonio, TX where Jim worked a few years for a cabinetry company and then moved to EcoLab as a salesman. He was promoted several times through the years and ended his 30+ year career as a National Sales Director. Through the years, Jim and Sheron moved the family from San Antonio to Memphis, TN; Richardson, TX; Placentia, CA; Plano, TX before finally retiring to Hamilton.
As a child, Jim would go spend a few weeks during the summer with his aunt and uncle, Vern & Peggy Perryman, on two different ranches in Coryell County. It was during these summers that Jim developed a love for ranching, working cattle, horses, and land management. In the mid-90’s, Jim and Sheron purchased land in Hamilton County from Sheron’s uncle, and they started building a retirement dream of living on the ranch and getting to do the things his uncle taught him many years earlier. Jim was actively involved with the Wildlife Association, and the Cross Timbers Prescribed Burn Association for many years, even serving as president of the CTP Burn Association. Jim & Sheron were happily married for nearly 58 years.
Jim’s love for his family was apparent to all that knew him. He was so proud of each of his kids, grandkids, and his great grandchildren. It was evident by the way Jim lived that his relationships with colleagues, friends, and family were of the upmost importance. You didn’t have to be in a conversation with him for very long before hearing a story or memory of a co-worker, one of his children or grand-children. You might even see a picture or two, especially of the great grandkids. He truly loved people!
He is preceded in death by his wife, Sheron, and his parents, Phil and Phylis Kenton, and brother Gene.
Jim is survived by his & Sheron’s three children: Kelly and Jose Chacon; Kelene and Mike Curry; and Phil Kenton. He is survived by eight grandchildren: McKenzie and Connor Newman; Brody Curry; Caitlin Kenton, Elisa and Jake King, Caleb Chacon, Regan Kenton, and Isabella Kenton; and Carly Jo Wright and two great-grandchildren Nora and Hayes Newman.
He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Bob and Donna Self; and brother-in-law David Self and Linda Miller and nieces, nephews and many cousins.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, July 10th from 10-11 am at Riley Funeral home in Hamilton, TX. A Funeral Service will immediately follow visitation at 11 am in the chapel followed by burial in IOOF Cemetery. Keith Maloney of Argyle will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life. The family would like to thank all family and friends for their love and support for our dad. In memory of Dad, please skip your Sunday best and come dressed in your jeans & boots. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of his favorite charities: Focus on the Family, St Jude, Wounded Warrior, or Tunnels for Towers.
