James "Jim" Richard Truett, Jr.

JIM TRUETT – James Richard Truett Jr. of Dallas died Monday, August 26, 2024, with family by his side. Born February 9, 1930, in Mexia, Texas, to James Richard and Edith Speer Truett, Jim lived a blessed and fulfilled life.

As a boy Jim would often board the Houston and Texas Central train in Mexia and travel two stops south to Kosse, spending the day at his grandfather’s grocery store a block from the railroad station.

A proud fifth-generation Texan, Jim was a direct descendant of James Alfred Head, member of the 6th Congress of the Republic of Texas 1841-1842, Brazos County Judge, a veteran of the War for Independence, and a Texas Ranger.

On a visit home from college in Lubbock, Jim noticed the very pretty soda jerk at Mexia’s Kendrick & Horn drug store, Ruth Hartnett, who quickly became the love of his life. Before his passing, Ruth and Jim celebrated 74 years of marriage.

Following graduation from Texas Tech, Jim went to work for the General Motors Acceptance Corporation subsidiary and retired from GMAC in 1992 as control branch manager for the DFW metro area. In the meantime, Jim and Ruth brought into this world devoted daughters Becky, Jamie, and Kathy.

Jim’s GMAC career took the family to Mount Pleasant, Longview, Tyler, a Dallas decade, then on to Bryan, San Antonio, Fresno, California, and back to Dallas for the past 46 years.

Following retirement Jim maintained friendships with GM buddies via fishing reunions at one East Texas lake after another. He loved the camaraderie even when rarely wetting a line. That group also met for lunch monthly.

Mexia homecoming weekend was an annual pilgrimage, traveling from DFW with Ruth’s brother Eddie on their motorcycles.

His daughters and their cousins organized a family reunion at Fort Parker State Park and nearby Mexia in November 2008. A lifelong and rabid Red Raider football fan, Jim watched “The Catch” win over Texas with family Longhorn fans at the Mexia reunion bed and breakfast.

Jim cherished visits to France, Austria, Italy, Germany, and Switzerland, each thoughtfully planned and lovingly accompanied by his daughter, Kathy. He enjoyed camping trips with grandsons to the mountains and Texas state parks.

Those who knew Jim Truett were endlessly entertained by his dry humor, dubious stories we loved no matter how often repeated, and his gentle needling, always with affection. Jim doted on his swimming pool with constant care, a tranquil place where he found peace and most enjoyed the company of family members young and old.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and grandson Jess. He is survived by Ruth, daughters and spouses Becky and George Parker, Jamie and Vaughn Aldredge, Kathy Truett; grandsons George, James and wife Lauren, Justin, granddaughter Katy; and great grandsons Emory and Jasper.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Kathy for her devoted and loving care of her father, overseeing his medical care with such dedication in his final months. We also wish to express our appreciation to Dr. Rebecca Rojas for her leadership during his hospital stay. A special thank you goes to the compassionate caregivers at Ventana, especially his therapists, who brightened his days with patience and kindness.

Visitation was held at Restland Funeral Home, Dallas, September 4 from 1-2:30 and Interment was in the Mexia City Cemetery, September 5 at 11:00 in Mexia, Texas.

May his memory enrich the lives of those who knew and loved him. Rest in peace Dad.