William James "Jim" Emerson

William James “Jim” Emerson, age 86, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026, in Fairview, Texas. Born on Halloween in 1939 in Independence, Kansas, to William Arthur and Frances May Emerson, Jim grew up in Bartlesville, Oklahoma and was baptized at First Presbyterian Church. His youth was marked by a love for athletics, where he excelled in swimming, football, basketball, and golf.

A lifelong learner and hard worker, Jim attended the University of Kansas, where he earned degrees in Engineering and Business. He worked throughout his college years and forged friendships that endured a lifetime. It was at KU that he met the love of his life, Suzy.

Following graduation, they married at Glendale Lutheran Church in Missouri. Jim then honorably served his country as an Army officer stationed in Germany during the pivotal years of the Cold War and the onset of the Vietnam War. His service reflected his sense of duty, commitment and his steadfast sense of responsibility.

After his military service, Jim built a successful career with Phillips Petroleum, where he researched and sold plastic pipe for Phillips and Nipak. His work took him throughout Texas, and his professionalism and dedication earned him recognition as “Sales Employee of the Year.” In the late 1970s, Jim transitioned into life as an independent oil and gas operator, a career he passionately maintained until his passing.

Jim’s gentle nature and unfailing kindness touched all who knew him. He possessed a quiet manner, an unselfish heart, and a reliability that was a source of comfort and strength to family and friends alike. He never spoke an unkind word about others, and his presence brought peace, steadiness, and joy.

Jim found peace in the simple activities of life; refinishing furniture, fishing, spending time with friends on the golf course and tending to his garden and yard. Jim’s hobbies reflected his love for life’s simple pleasures.

Jim’s legacy lives on in the hearts of his wife of 61 years, Suzy; his children, Sherry (Ernie) Ellies and William James “BJ” (Kristen) Emerson II; his sisters, Virginia Brooks (Jim), Martha (Ken)Kreye and sisters-in-law, Betsy Emerson, Diana Stafford and Cathy Tisdale; and his beloved grandchildren, Davis Ellies and Will, Beck, and Elizabeth Emerson. He is reunited in peace with his brother, Robert Emerson, and his granddaughter, Avery Emerson.

A public service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Plano, TX on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 3:00pm, with visitation starting at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Faith Lutheran Church Plano Memorial Fund (www.faithplano.org/donate).We thank God for Jim’s unwavering love, support, and reliability. His legacy of kindness, faithfulness, and devotion will forever remain in our hearts.

Services entrusted to Charles W. Smith & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremations.