In Loving Memory Of James Black

James Douglas Black, age 73, passed away Tuesday, March 30, 2021, surrounded by his family after a long illness. He was born on Sept. 2, 1947 in Alamosa, Colorado to Helen and Douglas Black.

The family moved to Littlefield when James was in third grade. At that time he started a lifetime relationship with Donna Smith. He loved baseball from a young age, he played on the Littlefield All Star Little League that won second at the state tournament. He graduated from Littlefield High School in 1966. James entered the Air Force in 1967 and remained until 1975, where he was a crew chief on a KC135 tanker and he served in the Vietnam War. He married Donna on Jan. 24,1970 in Littlefield. They were married 51 years. After leaving the service he returned to work in farming, at American Cotton Growers, in the oil field, and as a concrete mixer until his health forced him to retire. James was well known for his hand tooled leather projects. He was a member of First United Methodist of Littlefield and he was a member ofAmerican Legion 0575 and VFW Post 15045.

James was the proud father of Lori Ann Lomas and husband, Kasey of Austin and Dr. James Bryan Black and wife, Christy of Temple. His favorite title was “Pa” to his grandchildren Riley Black and Carla Black and husband, Tylor of Temple.

James was survived by his wife, Donna Black; brother, Danny Black and wife, Carol of Hobbs, NM; brother, Sammy Black ofLubbock; sister, Judy Eddlemon of Houston; sister, Jo Ellwood of Baytown; mother-in-law, June Smith of Littlefield; brother-in-law, Bob Smith and wife, Vicki of Pueblo West, CO; special cousin, Richard Tomson of Littlefield; favorite non-grandchildren, Espie and husband, William Brown and son, Kinlser.

James is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Melinda Raye Black; and sisters, Carol Hutchings and Louise Ray.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Hillcrest Funeral Home.

A private family graveside will be held at Littlefield Memorial Park. A Public Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 1, 2021 at the First United Methodist Church of Littlefield with Rev. Danny Sanders officiating. Family will receive guests after the service. Arrangements are under the personal care of Hillcrest Funeral Home in Littlefield.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Littlefield EMS (PO Box 1267, Littlefield, TX 79339).