On May 16, 2026, James Raymond Strickland went home to be with the God he served most of his life.

He was born October 3, 1934, to James Dorsey Strickland and Estelle Mullican Strickland. A proud veteran, James served 2 years in the Marine Reserves and four years in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was a true patriot who loved his country and believed that freedom came at a cost and never took it for granted.

James built a simple, but meaningful life built around faith, family and service to others. He wore many hats during his lifetime. He was a postman, railroad employee, factory worker, fire chief, and an excellent carpenter.

He became a Christian at 12 years old and served faithfully in church the rest of his life. In his latter years he was a devout member of Walnut Springs Baptist Church, Deberry Texas, where he quietly served with his steadfast faith.

To know James was to know a good man. He believed in God, country, respect and taking care of people.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Estelle Strickland; 2 sisters, Norma and Anita and his wife, Margret Pressler Strickland.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lois Black Strickland; his two children, Mike Strickland (Janna) and Cheryl Simon (Chuck) and their mother, Dot Wilkerson; 5 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 2 stepchildren four step grandchildren and 13 step great grandchildren, 6 beloved nieces and 2 nephews.

Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing James is healed, whole and walking the streets of heaven. We can only imagine the moment he heard the words, " Well done thy good and faithful servant."

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026, in the Chapel of Downs Funeral Home. A visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel.