James R. Pierce

Memorial services for James R. Pierce, 83, of Gilmer, Texas will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, February 1, 2025, in the Chapel of McWhorter Funeral Home with Brother Charles Johnson officiating. James was born on September 14, 1941, in Ector, Texas to Rudolph and Pauline Blackerby Pierce and passed from this life surrounded by family on January 25, 2025, in Longview, Texas. James lived a life rich in family, service, and diverse interests. The eldest of three siblings, he attended school in Bonham until the first grade and then completed his education in Ector, graduating in 1960 before continuing to Austin College in Sherman, Texas, where he played basketball. After serving in the U.S. Army, primarily in Paris, France, he returned to Texas and began a long career with the Union Pacific Railroad, serving in many capacities before his retirement. James was an avid hunter and fisherman, cherishing moments spent at "Deer Camp" with his sons and in-laws. He also had a passion for bird watching and a big heart for each of his dogs. He was known by his family for his ability to fix just about anything and had skills in carpentry, leatherwork, music, and art. Above all, James treasured his family, finding joy in being present at their activities and adoring his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whose laughter brought him immense happiness. Perhaps his greatest honor was to play the role of PawPaw. James left behind a legacy of love and demonstrated that within his character. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Bonnie Pierce; children, Thomas Pierce (Kristy), and Jamie Hogue (Adam); brother, Larry Pierce (Diane); grandchildren, Jordan Pierce Hardy (Parker), Madison Pierce Segers (Hunter), Randi Pierce Davis (Robert), Raney Pierce Simcox (Michael), Ragan Pierce Caffey (Clint), Avery Hogue, and Macey Hogue; and ten great-grandchildren, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and loved ones. He is preceded in death by his parents Rudolph and Pauline; son, Richard Pierce; and his sister, Martha Chandler. Please visit James’s online registration book at www.mcwhorterfh.com to leave a memory for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of the many charities dear to James’ heart. St Judes Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/ Shriner’s Children’s https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/

James R. Pierce

September 14, 1941 - January 25, 2025