James Robert Marshall

A celebration of life for James Robert Marshall 86, of Gainesville will be held on Wednesday May 28, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Earl Estill officiating following burial at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of the Geo. J. Carroll and Son Funeral Home.No visitation is planned.

James Robert Marshall was born on Aug. 12, 1927, the youngest of six, in Gainesville Tx to Lawrence and Ola Greggson Marshall. They lived in the Greggson family home on Lindsay street, where he was born. Close friends and family remember him as Babe. James passed away on May 24, 2014 in Gainesville Tx.

James attended J.M. Lindsay School, where he subsequently taught 4th and 5th grades and became principal. Upon graduation from Gainesville High School in 1944, he volunteered for the U.S. Navy. His three older brothers were in the service and he wanted to join them. This required his parent's permission since he was underage. He served in Corona, CA. Naval Hospital as a medical technician with severely wounded chest patients upon their return from combat
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After his honorable discharge in 1946, he attended UNT, then named North Texas State University. His first teaching job was in Corpus Christi ISD where he remained until being hired by Grand Prairie ISD for the 1950-1951 school year. In 1954 he became 5th grade teacher at JM Lindsay school becoming principal in 1958. That was his position. until retirment in 1984. He also earned a Master's Degree and several additional certifications at UNT.

One job of which he was very proud was that of Director of the Gainesvilles Boy's Club, now known as the Cooke County Youth Center. He also spent 11 summers at Camp Sweeney as senior boy's counselor and hiking instructor.

After retiring he served on the GISD school board for 12 years, during which time he had the privilege of suggesting that the new school ( Chalmers) be named for former superintendent W.E. Chalmers.

James is a lifelong member Presbyterian, serving First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville as Elder.

James married the former Barbara Button in Dec. !950 and they were blessed with three daughters; Rebecca, Beverly and Beth, all of whom attended JM Lindsay Elementary and Gainesville High School. The loves of his life are his three grandsons: Marshall Freeman, Phillip and Jeremy Wilkes. At the time of his death, he lived on LIndsay Street, one block from his birthplace and across from where the JM LIndsay school was located. Former Students now told him how they used to call him the Jolly Green Giant because of his height. Gentle Giant was a nickname he also liked.

James is survived by his wife Barbara; daughters Rebecca, Beverly and Beth all of Gainesville, three grandsons Marshall Freeman of Dallas, Tx and Phillip and Jeremy Wilkes of Pal Desert Ca. and serveral nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be George Burrows, Woodrow Williams, Charles Brown, Reynolds Amsley Charles WAters, Matt Chalmers, Bob Skupin and Gordon Smith. You may sign the online registry at geojcarroll.com