James Wilbur Hobbs Jr.

James Wilbur Hobbs, Jr was born in Turley, Oklahoma on December 21, 1942. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Margaret Hobbs; his parents, James and Alma Hobbs; and his sister Sharon Gage. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Dutton of Independence, MO; four children, daughter Lisa Kennedy and husband Matt of Bonham, TX; daughter Lora Burns and husband Robby of Anna, TX; son Aaron Hobbs and wife Stacy of College Station, TX; son Joseph Hobbs of Independence, MO; seven grandchildren, grandson Braden Hagman of Anna, TX; granddaughter Samantha Gale and husband Damien of College Station, TX; granddaughter Katherine Carr and husband Noah of Bonham, TX; granddaughter Kaitlyn Hobbs of Austin, TX; granddaughter Caroline Kennedy of Bonham, TX; granddaughter Jenna Hobbs of College Station, TX; grandson Owen Hobbs of Lee’s Summit, MO; five great grandchildren, Bennett Hagman of Anna, TX; Gabriel Carr of Bonham, TX; Bostyn Hagman of Anna, TX; Baker Hagman of Anna, TX; Violet Carr of Bonham, TX; and sister, Karen Farnsworth of College Station, TX.

James (Jim) Hobbs married Margaret Hagman on November 20, 1971 and as Jim described in his own words: “In our nearly 53 years of marriage, the first 30 years was the growing the fruit, the next 10 years was the ripening of the fruit and the last 10 years was enjoying the fruit. Our appreciation and love for each other was indescribable beyond words.”

Margaret came to the marriage with 2 daughters, Lisa Jane and Lora Marie, after being widowed at the age of 24 and they would go on to have 2 sons of their own, James Aaron and Joseph Ephraim. Jim cherished his family and sought to create a home that was grounded in love and faith in Jesus Christ.

Jim used his talents as a carpenter and handyman to support his family, but he never limited those gifts to his work. If family, friends, or fellow church members needed help, Jim would not hesitate to assist. Travel was another joy in his life, and the list of places he explored is far too long to name. The family would agree though, that one of the most memorable adventures was the summer trip of 1983, when Jim’s nuclear family along with their spouses and children (15 in all) drove through and discovered the beauty of the Southwest.

Jim served as a pastor of the Church of Jesus Christ Waldo Avenue Restoration Branch of Independence, Missouri for many years. He was known for his deep knowledge of the scriptures and was well respected by his church for being a person of wise counsel. He was courageous in his faith and longed to follow in the path that God set before him. Jim was not a talkative man and his views were not always popular, but when he was led by the spirit his words were bold and spoken with confidence.

On December 20, 2024, Jim married Barbara Dutton. While their time on earth together was short, the love they shared was genuinely evident to all that knew them. He loved the Lord with every fiber of his being and lived his life accordingly. Now, he rests eternally in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A Memorial Service for Jim will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 10am at Church of Jesus Christ Waldo Avenue Restoration Branch located at 819 W. Waldo Avenue, Independence, MO 64050.

In lieu of flowers, Jim asked that donations be made to the Center Place Restoration School 819 W. Waldo Avenue Independence, MO 64050. Follow the link below to the school’s donation page:

https://cprsgoldeneagles.com/support/donate/