James Wesley Utley

J.W. (Big Jim) Utley, 83, of Mineola, TX, died September 17, 2014 at his home. He was born on April 28, 1931 in Gordon, TX and later lived in De Leon, TX and Sweetwater, TX. He moved to Mineola in March 1956 and lived there until his death. Mr. Utley worked for the Railroad system which he started at the age of 17. During his career, he worked for Texas and Pacific Railroad, Missouri Pacific Railroad and retired from Union Pacific Railroad in Dec. 1990 with 42 years and 3 months service. Mr. Utley attended the First Assembly of God Mineola.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Frances (Fran) Utley; two sons, Rickey Utley and wife Wanda of Paris, TX and Wendell Utley and wife Allison of Mineola; two daughters, Latrena Buchanan and friend Ricky Ramirez of Quitman, TX and Sheila Valek and husband Darren of Mineola; eight grandchildren, Klo, Justin, Caleb, Daniel, Brittney, Andrea, Cassie and Hannah; one great grandchild, Lane; one great grandchild on the way, Katherine; and his loving caretaker, Jeannie Moore.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, September, 19, 2013 from 6 – 8 PM at Beaty Funeral Home, Mineola. Services are scheduled for Saturday, September 20, 2014 at 2:00 PM at Beaty Funeral Home, Mineola with Bro. Tom Maddux and Bro. Kevin Laugh officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Garden in Mineola.