James Joseph Hollingshead, 75, of Ore City, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026, at Longview Regional Medical Center surrounded by his loving family following complications from heart surgery.

James was born on October 31, 1950, in Houston, Texas. He was raised and spent much of his adult life in Marshall, Texas.  After high school graduation, he followed in his father's footsteps and enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War, stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. His service was an important part of his life, and he carried that honor and pride with him throughout the years.

James was a man who enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved to fish and lived his best life on Lake O' the Pines catching and frying fish. He was a great cook and enjoyed sharing his catch of the day with others. He was also an avid motorcycle enthusiast, and cherished the time he spent with his fellow bikers.

More often than not, you would see James, aka "Drifty" to his biker community, donning his leather vest and bandana, "drifting" from one destination to the next on his Harley-Davidson. Rarely one for a set schedule, he quite literally flew by the seat of his pants, embracing the freedom of the open road and taking life as it came.

In true Drifty fashion, he drifted on to his final destination on his own time—with no set schedule and, as was often his way, not much warning for the rest of us to prepare for his departure. He left us doing what he did best: going his own way, on his own time, and leaving behind stories and memories that will stay with us forever.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Ruth Hollingshead; his daughter, Kimberly Hollingshead Wall; and his grandson, Carter Watson.

He leaves behind a loving family who will carry his memory in their hearts, including his daughters, Terri Peace and husband Jeff, and Tiffannee Watson and husband Shaun; his sister, Cecilia Newman, his brothers, Paul and wife Davlyn, and Daniel and wife Phyllis; his grandchildren, Tyler Peace, Colton Watson, Aaron Wall, Caleb Watson, Micah Wall, Dylan Peace, Olivia Wall, and Landry Kate Peace; and his great-grandchildren, Clayton Watson, Aubrey Jo Peace, Atlas Watson, Cheyanne Watson, Tatum Wall, Eleanor Wall, Lane Peace, Kimber Wall, and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

James will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory will live on through his siblings, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many lives he touched throughout his journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in James' memory to the Patriot Guard Riders, a biker focused organization that honors and supports our nation's military, veterans, and their families. Donations can be made at etpgr.com.

A memorial service celebrating James' life will be held Sunday, August 16, at 2:00 p.m. at Downs Funeral Home in Marshall, Texas, followed by visitation.

"Fair winds and following seas."