On November 19, 2013, Jimmy Calvin Petrey found peace and good health in the comfort of his Lord’s arms. Jim was born on November 15, 1950 in Miles, Texas to Lou Ella Denney Petrey and Preston Wayne “Slim” Petrey, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him are: his brother Gene Petrey; brother-in-laws, Jack Reynolds, Howard Newsom, and Hervis Shelton Newsom; Sister-in-law, Frances Petrey; nephews Jeremy Petrey, Wayne Petrey, Randy Reynolds, Carl Don Petrey, and Henry Jason Petrey; and niece Sherry Newsom.
Jim graduated from Miles High School in 1969 and Tarrant County Junior College in 1977. Jim proudly served his country in Vietnam from 1970-1971 with the HHC 1/10th Infantry Sixth United States Army, where he obtained the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 device, Vietnam Service Medal 2/1 Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. Maybe this is where Jim learned to fight the good fight, because he was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, coach, neighbor, and anything else he needed to be even as he fought multiple health issues and battled so hard in the end. Jim married the love of his life, Martha Helen Newsom, on June 30, 1973. They enjoyed 40 wonderful years together. To this union were born Kristi Cheyne Petrey and Preston Cory Petrey, who were the greatest joys of his life. When his grandchildren were born, Jim’s life became complete. Shelton Calvin, Laci Morgan, and Reid Preston were the lights of his life. Jim’s entire family was very important to him. He hosted the annual Petrey Family reunion at his home and proudly rode on the Petrey Family float in the Miles Cotton Festival Parade. Jim served on the Miles ISD School Board and was a member of Miles United Methodist Church. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, sharing his love of the outdoors with his friends and family. He was a baseball coach and umpire when his children were growing up. He thoroughly enjoyed his time coaching and thought of all of his players as “his boys.” Jim was an avid fan of Kristi and Cory in everything they did. He was an even more avid fan of his grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Martha; daughter Kristi and son Cory, grandchildren Shelton, Laci, and Reid all of Miles, Texas; sister Jane Reynolds of San Saba, brother Don Petrey of Miles, Sister Linda Nurmi of San Angelo, and Roger Petrey and wife Laurie of Sachse, Texas. Also surviving Jim are his brother-in-law Harold Newsom and wife Jeane of Sarepta, LA; sister-in-law Mary Clark and husband James of Gainesville, FL. He also leaves behind his lifelong best friend R.B. Wright, his domino partner Mary Ann Petrey, tons of nephews, nieces, great nephews, great nieces, great-great nephews, great-great nieces, and many, many friends.
There will be a short Military Graveside service on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 10:30 am at the Miles Cemetery, Miles, TX followed by a Celebration of Life Service at the Miles United Methodist Church, Miles, TX. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Texas Veterans for Veterans c/o Bill Murray, 1905 Pulliam, San Angelo, TX 76903 or the Miles United Methodist Church.
Honorary pallbearers will be Les Petrey, Ricky Reynolds, Gary Petrey, Jeff Petrey, Robert Petrey, Don Lee Jarratt, Donnie McBee, R.B. Wright, Charles Ehrig, Mark Sklenarik, Charles Baca, and Walter Holik.
Pops, even as our hearts our breaking we want you to rest in peace…..
Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.johnsons-fneralhome.com
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18