James Edwin Dale, Jr. was born in Paris, TX at St. Joseph’s Hospital on July 7th, 1951. He passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026 at his home of 43 years surrounded by his loved ones. A memorial service will be 2:00 P.M., Thursday, October 22, 2026 at Coker-Mathews Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Joe Hernandez and Rev. Jeff Jackson officiating. Visitation will be 1:00 P.M. until service time at the funeral home.
James is survived by the love of his life of 53 years, Jennifer, son and daughter-in-law - Jason and Natalie Dale, grandson - Cooper Dale, step-granddaughters - Taylor (Gabe) Brunson and Tristyn Boone (Landry Collier), and step-great- granddaughter - Brinley, sister and brother in law - Vicki and Tracy Noll, niece - Kourtni Noll Mitchiner, great-nephew - Luden Mitchiner, niece - Erika Noll, great-niece - Brenna Hilby, brother - Ted Dale, niece and her husband - Shelby and Shawn Council, great-nephews - Noah and Nolan Council, sister-in-law -Lisa Peters.
He was preceded in death by his parents - James and Sallie Dale, son - Jamie Dale, mother-in-law – Melba Stanford, father-in-law - Ken Peters.
James spent the first 4 years of his life in Mt. Pleasant before moving to Garland, Texas. He attended first through 12th grades in the Garland School District, graduating from Garland High School in 1969. He briefly attended Kilgore Junior College before joining the United States Marine Corps in early 1970. When he graduated from boot camp in San Diego, he was the only member of his platoon to be promoted to Private First Class. Sallie, his mom, flew out to California to attend his graduation. Following his time in the Marines, James returned to Texas to follow in his Dad's footsteps in the auto collision repair business. He worked at Town East Ford for 30 years, making many lifelong friends there. Following this, he ventured out to East Texas and bought two collision repair shops in Canton and Mabank. He retired from that career in 2021. James had many hobbies throughout his life including fishing, quail hunting, driving fast boats, and raising and training cutting horses. His favorite horse was Freckles Thriller with whom he placed in the top ten National Cutting Horse Championships in 1990. His favorite activity later in life was golf. Billy Railsback was his faithful golfing partner and James credited Billy with teaching him the finer points of the game, even to the point that he would occasionally win. James was a true home body and was most happy working around his east Texas properties. A special thanks to Junior, his right-hand handyman, who helped him keep things looking impeccable for the last 20 years.
James was a man of faith and the best storyteller on the planet; a leader, wonderful provider and loved his family immensely. Jason and Cooper will cherish all the memories and life lessons learned from Dad and Pardner.
Honorary Pallbearers - from business associates to lifelong friendships to becoming like family: Mike Ward, Billy Railsback, Jim English, Kenneth Fifield, Kevin Perkins, Tracy Noll and Jason Sanderson.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: VetOutpost.org or Hunt County Shared Ministries – FISH hcsmfish.org or (903) 455-0545