James Lindy Rainwater, "Daddy," "Pappy," "Uncle James" and "Chief," 85, passed away Sunday, Nov. 16, 2014. Funeral: 10 a.m. Wednesday at Benbrook United Methodist Church, 1122 Bryant St., Benbrook. Interment: 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in Hico Cemetery, Hico. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Winscott Road Funeral Home, 1001 Winscott Road, Benbrook. James was born June 11, 1929, in Hico to Fred and Marguerite Rainwater. He grew up in Hico and graduated from Hico High School. James married his high school sweetheart, Mildred Ellis, on Aug. 22, 1948. Mildred was only 17 and had to have her parents' permission. James and Mildred were blessed with five daughters, nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. After five daughters and five granddaughters, he finally heard the words "it's a boy" when his grandson, Jeffrey, was born. James was a wonderful provider, taking on many jobs in his lifetime. He and Mildred traveled the world from trips that were won while he co-owned Gateway TV. James sold cars for many years and helped all of his grandchildren get their first car. One of James' favorite pastimes was fishing. He took his family to the coast every year. His children, grandchildren and now his great-grandchildren love to fish. James was so smart. He could build or fix anything until he lost his sight. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Elva Jo Funk. Survivors: Wife of 66 years, Mildred Rainwater; daughters, Janie Jackson and husband, Ronnie, Jo Green and husband, Lanny, Jean Rainwater, Dina June Emmerling and husband, Greg, and Joy Smith and husband, Matt; grandchildren, Keith, Lauri, Lisa, Lindsay, Brooke, Kristen, Jeffrey, Kevin and Paul; great-grandchildren, Izzy, Jase, Shelby, Ellis, Dillon, Savannah, Zoe, Sophie and Baby James; many nephews and nieces; and a large extended family.
Published in Star-Telegram on Nov. 18, 2014