James Eddie Choate

James spent most of his childhood in Lovington, New Mexico. He graduated from Artesia High School in 1956, where he was in various clubs and played basketball.

After high school, James went to work in the oil fields. He married Sandy in 1958 and worked for GTE until he retired after 30+ years. James and Sandy spent every day together. They loved going to garage sales and Canton Trade Days.

James loved to entertain others with stories of how he grew up. In the 1970s, he was a member of the Plano Lions Club. He was an avid Plano Wildcat football fan, where he attended the weekly Wildcat quarterback meetings. He kept his season ticket for 50+ years. He loved to go to Denny’s for coffee where everyone knew his name as Mr. Jim. He loved taking family trips to Walt Disney World.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years Sandy Choate, son Mickey and wife Trish, daughter Suzie and husband Tom, daughter Melissa and husband Alfonso. He is also survived by his grandchildren Amie, Julie, Dylan, Hanna, Savannah, and Megan, and great grandchildren Kingston, Princeton, Weston, and Simeon.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Hazel, brother Ken, and sister Wilma.

A service will be held in Lovington, New Mexico.