James Gordon Everhart, Jr., 63 of De Leon, Texas passed away suddenly on March 13, 2025, at Hendrick Hospice, Abilene, Texas, from lung cancer.

Jim was born September 17, 1961, in Washington Courthouse, Ohio to James Everhart, Sr. and Wanda Leach.  Jim was raised in Washington Courthouse and Wilmington, Ohio.  Jim was a Washington Courthouse High School graduate of 1979, a Blue Lion.

In March 1983, Jim joined the United States Navy and proudly served 21 years and retired as a Yeoman First Class with Surface Warfare and Seabee Combat Warfare (YN1 (SW/SCW)) in 2003.  He was a Sailor with some sea stories to be told. He found the love of his life while attending YN "A" School in Meridian, Mississippi. Jim and Grace were married in Washington Courthouse, Ohio on January 4, 1985.  They were blessed with two children, Angela Rose and Amanda Rae born on March 14, 1986.

In 2006, after Grace retired, they moved back to her hometown De Leon to care for her parents.  Jim loved his bonus parents and would not have traded much for the time spent with them. His love and sacrifice for Lee Allsup and Ruby Pratt was undeniable.

Jim loved his family and friends. He loved laughter and good times, Harley rides with his brothers both blood and chosen. The transplanted "Yankee" enjoyed his many years (circa 1986, first trip to De Leon) at the wisdom tables of De Leon cafes listening, joking and gaining wisdom and knowledge… or something like that from the old-timers who had lifetimes of wisdom to share. In the last few years, he believed himself to be one of the "old timers" with wisdom… or something to share. He loved telling people he had breakfast all the time with two preachers, Ray (Preach) and Rick, because they seemed like an unlikely group.

His grandbabies were his greatest joy. He loved each one of them deeply but differently making them each know how special they each are, and they know the time he spent with them were some of the best moments of his life.

His favorite place to be was at home chilling with his people and pups at the cliff edge of the Sabana River bank enjoying beer, conversation, music and Famous Amos cookies and being happy in the present.

His second favorite place to be was at home in Ohio with his family reminiscing about childhood memories and experiences, riding the country side with his brothers, playing some mean games of Euchre and soaking in the present.

Jim is survived by his patient and devoted wife, Grace; father, James Sr. and bonus mom, Barb; mom, Wanda Bowermaster; brothers, John Everhart and wife, Suzette, Earl Bowermaster and wife, Laura, and Randy (Bub) Chamberlain; sisters, Traci Hansel Johnson and Carrie Anderson; children, Angela Gee and Amanda Everhart; grandchildren, Scott James Everhart (side-kick and son), Kimberlynn Grace Spivey (his brown-eyed girl), Roselee Riddle (his Ohio sunshine), Evie May Hinds (his blue-eyed girl) and his wild, feral and sweet grands, Peyton, Harleigh and Aniken Wilson. He has so many special nephews and nieces.

He was met at Heaven's door by his Grandma Frances Leach and Grandma Dorthy Everhart who squeezed him tight, his mentor and running buddy Lee Allsup; Ruby Pratt who has already bent his ear for getting there too soon and many, many other family and friends that are causing quite the noise of joy and celebration – AC/DC is being played in Heaven.

From his last days he would want to impart the wisdom to all his people – life is short make the most of it; because one day you are going to hug your last hug, kiss your last kiss, hear someone's voice for the last time – but we never know when that last time will be so live everyday as if it will be the last time you will be with the people you love. Don't smoke and cancer sucks.

In lieu of flowers, although his two favorite shops in De Leon were Price's Flowers and Stockman's, please donate to a charity of your choice or the American Cancer Society.

A celebration of James' life was held March 19, 2025, at Nowlin Anders Funeral Home with Minister Rick Smitherman officiating.