James Hoyle Kimery

James “Jim” Kimery, 84, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer that ultimately spread to his brain. A proud son of the rural communities of Tennessee and Virginia, Jim carried his roots with him throughout his life, often telling new friends he was from “just down the road from Dolly Parton” and that his mother’s family owned the well-known, blue-rimmed Decker pottery.

Jim’s life was defined by hard work, resilience, family, and a lifelong love of the road. From the age of four, when he first climbed behind the wheel of a tractor, to his years driving customized 18-wheelers across the country, Jim found joy in anything with wheels — cars, trucks, and bicycles alike. In high school, he earned the trust of his community by driving the school bus through the hills of his hometown.

After attending Davis & Elkins College in West Virginia for a year, Jim returned home to marry his first love, Joyce Leftwhich, and began building a life centered on family and hard work. Supporting a growing family through traveling sales, he eventually advanced into furniture sales and management throughout Virginia, Washington D.C., and the Carolinas. During those years, tragedy struck when Joyce was killed in an automobile accident and Jim’s four-year-old son was seriously injured.

Those difficult days profoundly shaped Jim’s life. Determined to protect and provide for his children, he relocated to Savannah, Georgia, where he managed a furniture store and, in 1977, married Priscilla Marano. The two married on June 10 and built a life together spanning 48 years. Shortly thereafter, they relocated their blended family to Texas, eventually settling in the Plano area, which became home for decades to come.

Jim possessed a sharp business mind and an instinctive understanding of markets and opportunities. Whether in furniture management, investing, or entrepreneurial ventures such as manufacturing and selling brass beds, he approached every challenge with determination and vision. When small business opportunities began to narrow, Jim returned to what he loved most — the open road. As an owner-operator with North American Van Lines and other van lines over nearly two decades, he earned numerous “best of” awards and became known for designing and operating customized trucks and trailers, many built specifically for trade shows.

In 2011, Jim’s life took another turn when prostate cancer forced the “Keep on Trucking” man off the road. Never one to back down from adversity, he underwent one of the earliest robotic procedures available for the disease and committed himself to improving his health, dramatically lowering his Type 2 diabetes numbers through discipline and determination.

Retirement opened new chapters for Jim. He became an avid reader and traveler, enjoying memorable three-week October adventures with Priscilla through Europe, Russia, China, and Africa. He also treasured trips back to Virginia, reconnecting with old friends and revisiting the landscapes of his childhood.

Above all else, Jim cherished family. He loved long late-night conversations with his children about business, sports, economics, and life. He delighted in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, especially babies and young children. At every family gathering, Jim could usually be found holding a baby, making silly faces, or chasing little ones through the house with laughter close behind.

Jim’s passing leaves a quieter place in the hearts of those who loved him, but his humor, wisdom, determination, and love will continue to guide them. Family gatherings will never be quite as rambunctious without him there reminding everyone to “keep on pedaling — the Lord’s got the handlebars.”

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Priscilla; his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and many dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by his presence.

A Celebration of Life will be held at West Plano Presbyterian Church, 2709 Custer Road, Plano, TX 75075, on May 23, 2026, at 11:30 am.