James Childress

TYLER — James Childress was born on June 19, 1947 to James and Charlene Childress of Tyler. He passed away peacefully October 30, 2023 after a long battle with health issues.

James grew up in Tyler, graduating from John Tyler High School in 1965. After graduation, he attended Stephen F. Austin University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education.

James went on to spend 50 years as a private investigator, helping thousands of people resolve complicated situations. Through his work he made thousands of lives better.

On August 2, 2007 James opened the door at Fuller’s Restaurant and met the love of his life, his wife, Marie Israel. James and Marie were married on September 18, 2008 and spent the next 15 years enjoying life together.

James and Marie lived in Emerald Bay Texas where James made many wonderful friends and was able to spend his days on his favorite pass time, golf. An avid golfer, James became known for his skill among his friends and had the distinction of recording three hole in ones over his time at Emerald Bay.

James was preceded in death by his parents James Odell Childress and Charlene Childress of Tyler, grandparents, Arthur and Dee Evans of Gilmer, and daughter Kathie Wilson of Tyler.

James loved his family which includes these that he leaves behind: Wife, Marie Childress of Emerald Bay; Brother, Terry Childress of Emerald Bay; Daughter and Son in Law Angela and Kenny Cargill of Bullard; Grandchildren CJ and Stacey Dickenson of Tyler, Casey and Shelley Dickenson of Whitehouse, Sarah and John McCandless of Tomball, Austin and McKenna Drawbond of Tyler, Timothy Cargill of Tyler, Callie Cargill of Jacksonville, Alli Shelton of Tyler, and Great Grandchildren Cameron Dickenson of Tyler, Elli Dickenson of Tyler, Levi Dickenson of Whitehouse and Madi McCandless of Tomball.

A Memorial service will be held at Emerald Bay Community Church on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at 2 PM.