James Arthur Long

James Long passed from this life on June 28, 2021 at the age of 86. James was born in Grow, TX on September 20, 1934 to H.E (Homer) and Beulah (Ratliff) Long.  James attended elementary school in Grow and Junction, TX, later returned to Paducah as a freshman.  He graduated with the class of 1952.

After graduation, James worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the army in 1957. After basic training, he married Gayle Whatley on June 27,1957. They moved to San Antonio where he was stationed at Fort Sam Houston.

James and Gayle moved to the Finney community in 1960 to settle in and raise a family. James enjoyed the farm life growing cotton, raising cattle and a bountiful garden every year. He took pride in his clean fields and very straight rows. James joined the American Agricultural movement in 1977. He drove a tractor to Washington D.C., where he lobbied for better prices for farm commodities.

They raised three children Jammye Timmons (Clay), Darryn Long (Brenda) and Jeni James (Howard).

In 1980 they moved to Paducah while he continued farming until retirement in 1992. After retiring James and Gayle started River Hill Ostrich Farm at Chalk. He also created an exotic animal transportation service. They traveled coast to coast and border to border, often planning trips to the west coast so they could see their children and grandchildren in Nevada.

James is preceded in death by his parents.

James is survived by his wife, 3 children, 9 grandchildren: Dale Harrison (Meredith) Kristin Schroeder (Jayson) Derek Harrison, Deanna Sanders (Chris) Drew Timmons, Jesse James, Maci Burrow (Shane) John Parker Long (Morgan) and Kelsey Winslow, 14 great grandchildren and 2 brothers Homer Lee Long (Ann) of Burkburnett, TX and Jerry Pate Long (Susie) of Paducah, TX