James Larkin (Jim) Toler, was born on February 21, 1935, in Plano, Texas. He passed away on February 18, 2012, in Dallas, Texas, after a long battle of Parkinson’s. Jim was born to parents Allen Berryman Toler and Ruth Back Toler. When Jim was ten years old, the family moved to Garland, Texas, which became his home town. After graduating from Garland High School in 1953, Jim attended Baylor University and Paris Junior College before marrying Sarah (Sally) Ruth Baker, on June 25, 1955, at the First Baptist Church of Garland, Texas, where they were both members. He attended Southwest Missouri State where he was later inducted into their Football Hall of Fame in 1980. He received a B.A. degree in 1957 from Baylor University, and a M.A. degree in 1961 from East Texas State University. After coaching and teaching in the Dallas, Highland Park, and Garland schools, Jim Toler started a successful real estate business in Garland. He was active in many business, professional, civic, and political organizations in the Garland area. His business/professional activities included serving on the board of directors for several area banks, as well as being a director of the Baylor University Medical Center Foundation and serving on the East Texas State University Board of Regents. Because of his many contributions to the community, he received numerous awards, such as: the Hugh Prather Trophy, an award given annually to the Dallas area home builder contributing the most to the betterment of his community; the Garland Chamber of Commerce "Tall Texan Award," given for outstanding contribution to the Garland community and Chamber of Commerce; the City of Rowlett Chamber of Commerce Big "R" Pacesetter Award; and the Life Member Award of the Garland Chamber of Commerce. Jim Toler was elected Mayor of Garland in 1966, and re-elected as Mayor in 1968. He was chosen as a delegate to county, state, and national Democratic conventions, including the 1968 Presidential Democratic Convention in Chicago. He also served as a member of the National League of Cities and the United States Conference of Mayors.
Following a successful business career, Jim and Sally moved to Athens, Texas, where they both became very involved in serving the community with an organization called “Labor of Love”. Jim began repairing homes and roofs for the elderly and under privileged of Henderson, County, and became affectionately and lovingly called “Mr. Jim”. Jim and Sally also enjoyed traveling, skiing, and of course fishing at their beautiful ranch. Jim was an avid crappie fisherman and could amaze and impress any who would dare to challenge him.Additionally, Jim was always active and involved in the activities of his four children and later his grandchildren. In 2003 Jim and Sally sold their Athens ranch and moved back to Dallas to be closer to their family and especially their grandchildren. “Granny” and “Grandpa” were always present at all of their grandchildren’s and even their great grandchildren’s many events and were their biggest fans. Leaving a beautiful legacy for his family, Jim compiled a detailed and descriptive family history comprising several books for generations to come to enjoy and learn about their heritage. James L. (Jim) Toler is survived by his adoring wife of fifty-six years, Sally, and four children: Amy Toler Weems and husband Ted Weems of Houston, Larkin Toler, Tobin Toler and wife Carol, and Nancy Toler Carroll and husband Russell Carroll, all from Dallas. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Jenny Weems Eames and her husband Michael Eames, James Weems and wife Stephanie, Andrea Toler Wamble and husband Trey Wamble, Berryman Toler, Lindsay Toler, Laura Toler, Will Toler, Ben Toler, Sarah Carroll, Alex Carroll and wife Kelsey, and Abby Carroll. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren: Katie Eames, Allen Eames, Sydney Weems, Natalie Weems, and Owen Weems, and his sister Linda Toler Chandler and her husband Alvin Chandler of Rowlett, and a sister-in-law Janie Baker Hutchison and her husband Charles, and numerous other relatives and friends. Jim Toler left his mark in our hearts and we will all miss him each and every day. Instead of flowers, contributions or memorials may be left to the City of Richardson Parks Department and directed to the Ruth Back Toler Park. Private graveside services will be on Sunday morning, February 19, 2012 followed by a public memorial service at 1:00PM in the Ted Dickey Funeral Home Chapel.
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