James Vernon Compton

James Vernon “Jimmy” Compton, of Groesbeck, passed away at Providence Hospital in Waco on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at age 75.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, August 16, 2019 at Fort Parker Memorial Park in Groesbeck, with Reverend Ben David Watson of the Victory Baptist Church officiating.

James (Jimmy) was born October 30, 1943 to Gail Burden Compton and Norma Jean Watson Compton near Wortham in Limestone County.   After he was out of school, James served in the U. S. Air Force.

James worked as a machinist and pipefitter.   In early years after the service, he had his own machine shop in McGregor.    He later lived all over Central and East Texas in his work as a pipefitter, until retiring around 2010.

James was united in marriage with Florence Thetford Yezak five years ago on June 25, 2014, after being reunited through his cousin Darlene.    They had dated as teenagers and were happy to renew their long-lost love.  James moved to Groesbeck where Florence lived and made new friends.   They enjoyed getting together with friends to play dominoes.  

James had always loved to play golf, when his work permitted.  Later when he no longer lived near a golf course, he set up his own chip practice spot and enjoyed practicing his swing in the house with a golf video game.  He formerly enjoyed woodwork, building items to sell such as wooden wishing wells for the yard, and leather work, making belts and boots for his children.  After moving to Groesbeck, James worshipped at the Victory Baptist Church.  He had recently moved to Lorena to be with his son after Florence passed away.

James was preceded in death by his parents; two grandchildren; and his wife Florence Compton in April 2019.

He is survived by daughter, Tammy Tolliver of Noel, MO; son, David Compton of Lorena; daughter, Carol Willis of Temple; and daughter, Laura Vernon of Waco; and also, eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.