James Leonard Koelzer was born on November 15, 1947, in Hereford, Texas to Benjamin and Elizabeth (Jesko) Koelzer along with his twin sister, Judith. He left this earthly realm for a better home on August 9, 2022.
Growing up on the family farm shaped James into the hard working, dependable, and industrious man that he became. In 1967 he married Lynda Allison in Dalhart, Texas and to the couple were born four children: Russell Ryan, Barrett Todd, Koby Brandon, and Tonya Lou.
James began what would become his career working for Pete Metcalf, eventually buying himself a perforating buggy for water well drilling. He worked as a welder for R&R Machine Shop and Stratford Feeders among others. Eventually James broke out on his own with his own welding truck and lots of work ahead of him. When you look out across Dallam or Hartley County you cannot miss seeing a grain leg or a set of pens that have his fingerprints all over them.
James fell in love with flying as a young man and achieved his dream of obtaining his pilot's license. He also enjoyed fishing and had a few great fishing buddies throughout his life.
Our dad had too many friends to name, but they were all dear to him. And his friends felt the same way towards him. Is there anything better in life than having great friends? He also had a special bond with his twin sister Judy, with whom he shared the ups and downs and in-betweens that life brings. Dad spent the final several months of his life on the family farm on which he was raised, under the care of his loving sister. We don't know what we would have done over the last year without our Aunt Judy.
James was the kind of man that would give the shirt off his back if someone needed it. We each have our own stories of times our dad stepped in to help someone out, not asking for anything in return. This selflessness is enviable and stands as an example to all of us.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Elizabeth, brothers BJ, Dan, Jerry, and David, and sisters Dorothy and Evelyn. He is survived by his children; Russ Koelzer and wife Heather of Kansas City, Todd Koelzer of Dalhart, Koby Koelzer and wife Michele of Amarillo, Tonya Johnson and husband Todd of Cainsville, MO. James is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Brandon, James Ryan, Allison, Clay, Katie, Averi, Thomas, Emily, Trendi, Taryn, Tayley, Tallen and one great-grandchild, Laken. He is also survived by his twin sister, Judy, of Friona.
The family would like to thank the many medical professionals involved in his care. We would especially like to thank Amanda Cox at Coon Memorial of Dalhart, the staff of Covenant Hospital in Lubbock ,and Parmer County Hospital in Friona. A very special thank you to the staff at Bluebonnet Home Health and Hospice including Rhonda (Schniederjan) Sanders, Carol Jackson, Amy (Osborn) Laing, Marie Saiz, Diana Cruz, Brett Hoyle, and John Bustamann.
A memorial service was held on Wednesday, August 17th, 10:00 am at the First Baptist Church Chapel in Dalhart.
Jessie Stone, 73, longtime Bovina resident passed away August 10, 2022 in Friona. Viewing was held from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM with family visitation from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM Friday, August 12, 2022 in the Ron Smiley Memorial Chapel of HANSARD FAMILY with Celebration of Life Services set for 1:00 PM, Saturday, August 13, 2022 at the First Baptist Church in Bovina with Rev. Larry Mitchell and Pastor Frank Landry officiating. Burial with military honors following in the Bovina Cemetery by HANSARD FAMILY Funeral Home of Friona.
Jessie was born March 27, 1949 in Clarksville, Texas to Louis Lloyd and Katie Mae Pounds Stone. He married Alice Marie Myers February 14, 1969, and was a veteran of the United States Army serving partially in the Vietnam War.
Jessie returned to Bovina and was employed by Cargill for 20 years, and Parmer County for 10 years. Jessie was very active in the community, serving on Bovina City Council for 12 years, 2 years as mayor pro tem, served on the livestock board of Parmer County for several years, volunteered 35 years with the fire department and ambulance service. He coached baseball, enjoyed helping out at the concession stand by grilling the meat, loved helping with agriculture department and stock shows. He was a member of the American Legion and First Baptist Church in Bovina. He loved to hunt, fish, and train bird dogs, and was a wonderful husband, dad, and papa.
Preceding him in death are his parents, 1 brother- Wayne Stone, and 1 sister-Barbara Trim.
Those to continue his legacy include his wife Alice of Bovina, 2 sons- Randy Stone and wife Doreen of Friona and Jason Stone of Canadian, and 1 daughter-Teresa Stone of Slaton, 2 brothers- Ronnie Stone of Rogers, Arkansas and Gary Stone and wife Lawana of Clovis, and 1 sister-Brenda Kay Corwin and husband Greg of Colfax, Iowa, 7 grandchildren that he loved so much- Brandon, Megan, Gabriel, Kayli, Sabri, Kaegan and Kynlee.