James Swift Coker

James Swift Coker, of Winnsboro, TX died at St. Vincent's Infirmary in Little Rock, Arkansas on Friday, April 12th at 12:50 PM at the age of 79.

James was born in Dallas, TX on January 20th, 1940 to Johnny P. and Margarette (Cooper) Coker.

James “Swifty” Coker graduated from Grapevine High School in 1959, honorably served his country in The United States Air Force as a Military Policeman from 1961-1966. He resided in Southlake, TX from 1976 until he and Hilda Merle moved to Winnsboro, TX in 1996. James retired from Team Air Freight as Vice President of International Freight in Winnsboro in 2009.

James was known as a personal mentor, a devout Evangelical Christian, a committed husband and father, a faithful member of Grace Fellowship in Winnsboro, an avid shooter, and famous for his “chats”. James also loved dancing with the love of his life Hilda Merle, Texas High School and College football, and was a gifted storyteller. He truly touched each person’s life that he ever came in contact with, he will be deeply missed.

James was preceded in death by both parents, Johnny P. And Margarette Coker, spouse Helen (Ihnfeldt), spouse Hilda Merle (Adams), and brother Joe Eddie.

James is survived by daughter Felicia James McBride (Coker) of Plano, TX, son Joseph Graham Coker and wife Cindi (Siler) of Keller, TX, daughter Mary Faye Coker of Jacksonville, AR, daughter Julie Carol Wood (Coker) and husband Daron of Jonestown, TX, and his brother in law Tommy Taylor and wife Jerri (Adams) of Las Vegas, NV, Hoyt Moore and wife Beth (Adams) of Keller, TX. Grandchildren Tyler Coker, Colby Coker, Clayton Coker, Nathan McBride, Dylan McBride and Ashby Wood.

Funeral service for James Coker is scheduled for 11:00 AM Friday, April 19, 2019 at Grace Fellowship in Winnsboro with Pastor Billy Condrey officiating. James will be laid to rest at Lee Cemetery following the service. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Thursday evening at Lowe Funeral Home, Quitman.

Serving as pallbearers are Tyler Coker, Colby Coker, John Taylor, James Moore, Jeff Babcock, and Rickey Lord. Honorary pallbearers are Tommy Taylor and Hoyt Moore.

In lieu of flowers, James requested donations be made to his grandson, Clayton Coker, “Caring for Clayton” through Grace Fellowship Ministries.