James Lyndon Haynes

As the third of seven children, James grew up in Trickham and Santa Anna, where he was a proud 1958 alumna. His childhood was full of love, farming, and adventures with his siblings. James married his high school sweetheart LaVelle McClintock in Santa Anna, TX, on September 30, 1959. A year later, their daughter Becky completed their family. They later moved from Brownwood to Jal, NM and then Kermit, where they lived for over 20 years.

He worked many years as a truck driver then trucking supervisor for El Paso Natural Gas Co. before starting a second career in the Methodist ministry in 1988. James and LaVelle worked side by side to serve many people and churches throughout the Central Texas area. He later graduated from Cisco Junior College, Tarleton State University, and Perkins School of Theology/SMU. He pastored churches in Blanket, Mullin, Gorman, Dublin, Rising Star, May, Gordon, Santo, Hannibal, Florence, Jarrell, Waco Lakeview, and Chatfield, as well as holding district and conference administrative positions, before retiring in 2006. James and LaVelle fulfilled a lifelong dream of moving to the Hill Country in 2008. He enjoyed working as a retail cashier in Gunbarrel City and Marble Falls in his later years.

James was a devoted son, husband, and father, but his greatest joy was being promoted to Poppy to his 2 grandchildren, then 5 great-grandchildren. He and LaVelle enjoyed taking their grandchildren Shelby and Brady on many adventures, and he was always up for a good joke or prank. His favorite pastimes were reading, fishing, traveling, cheering for the Aggies, enjoying the beach, and spending time with beloved friends and family, especially playing cards or dominoes. A life well lived is measured not by the years alone, but by the faith, love, and wisdom shared along the way. May James’s years be remembered with gratitude, his example cherished by those who love him, and may we take comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, resting in the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

James was preceded in death by his loving wife LaVelle; parents J.R. and Helen; and brother Jesse Haynes. He is survived by his daughter Becky and son-in-love Lendale Widner; granddaughter Shelby Wright and husband Jeff; grandson Brady Widner and wife Jennifer; great-grandchildren Carson, Nolan, Kinsley, Grayson and Judge; brothers Roy and Weldon Haynes; sisters Ginger Graham, Kay (Tom) Hays, and Mary Bordeaux; sister-in-law Joyce Leffingwell; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and their adored kitty Possum, who was sweetly rehomed by his best buddy caregiver Jenn. The family greatly appreciates and thanks all the staff at Arbor House Assisted Living, Granite Mesa Health Center, and Comforts of Home Hospice for their wonderful care.

The Celebration of Life for James will be held Friday, January 22, 2027 at 2:00pm at First Methodist Church of Marble Falls, officiated by Rev. Ellen Ely, with visitation immediately following the service. Arrangements under the direction of Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home. Interment of ashes will be Saturday, January 23, 2027 at 1:00 pm at Santa Anna Cemetery. Attendees are encouraged to wear shades of maroon as we celebrate him. James requested memorials be made to First Methodist Church of Marble Falls.