James Rathmell passed away on July, 11, 2021. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home with Reverend Joseph Guo presiding. Interment will follow at Hill Crest Memorial Park.
James was born October 2, 1937 in Abilene, Texas to Velda Kinney and Charles Rathmell.
Preceding James in death are his parents; wife Betty; sister, Mary; and brother, Charlie.
Left to cherish his memory are, his daughter Julie Kaiser and her husband Jody; and grandchildren, Shane, Peyton, and Allie.
James led a fulfilling life. He served in the United States Air Force for 22 years and was married for 49 years to Betty Wells Rathmell. During that time they traveled extensively to a multitude of places including Spain, Turkey, and Washington D.C. After James retired from the Air Force he began to work for Jim Walter Homes. During that time he won Salesman of the Year and was rewarded a trip to the Bahamas with his wife. James was very involved in his church, Fellowship United Methodist Church, and even began the food pantry there. He was very active in his church and loved his church family. Above all else, James was a family man whose favorite thing in the world were his grandchildren. His grandchildren loved him above all else too and would spend their Friday nights at “Big Daddy’s”. While a family man at heart he also loved the Dallas Cowboys, a love he would instill in his grandchildren by taking them to Cowboys’ games. James was loved by many people, family and friends alike, and will be greatly missed.
