J.A. Enderby

James Abner Enderby, 93, of Gainesville, TX, peacefully passed away on February 7, 2017. He was born on March 14, 1923 in Myra, Texas to Ruth and Abner Charles Enderby.

J.A. grew up in Gainesville where he graduated from Gainesville High School and then soon fell in love with his cherished wife of 75 years, Margene Bryan Cunningham Enderby. They were married on February 6, 1942.

As a lifelong resident of Gainesville, J.A. began his love for farming and ranching alongside his father. J.A. was first and foremost focused on his family serving as a dedicated husband and father. He also enjoyed his time as a rural route mail carrier for 30 years. His devotion to friends and community was demonstrated by “playing” Santa Claus at the Morton Museum of Cooke County. Through the years, J.A. and Margene enjoyed traveling and some highlights included trips to Africa, England, Switzerland, Japan and their beloved annual trips to Colorado. J.A. knew every mountain trail in the state of Colorado; even ones not on the map!

J.A. is survived by his wife, Margene Enderby, and his three sons, Lindsey Enderby, and his wife, Nancy of Taos, New Mexico; Stanley Enderby, and his wife, Pam, of Gainesville, Texas; Bradley Enderby, and his wife, Sharon, of Dallas, Texas; his grandsons Jim Enderby, and his wife, Lindsey; Lane Enderby, and his wife, Kaelen; granddaughters, Allison Enderby Horton, and her husband, Rob; Alexis Enderby Hansen, and her husband, Jeremiah; Skylyn Enderby Rosson, and her husband, Chisum; and Jenny Enderby. He is also survived by 11 great grandchildren. J.A. was predeceased by his brother, Samuel Charles Enderby, and his wife, Davie Mae.

Everyone who knew J.A. loved him and loved being with him. J.A. was in his element when he was surrounded by family and friends and engrossed in conversations. We shall all miss his insight and wisdom.
J.A. will be remembered for living life to the fullest; for being a loyal friend; for embracing everyone with a big heart (he never met a stranger) and for being a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. J.A. has left his family with a legacy of love, happiness and wonderful memories.

Following the memorial service on Friday, February 10, 2017 at 1:30pm at First United Methodist Church, interment will be at Fairview Cemetery.

Memorial gifts may be made to Morton Museum of Cooke County.