James Villines Obituary

James Franklin "Jimmy" Villines, age 81, of Harlingen, Texas, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 14, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born on April 19, 1943, in Harrison, Jimmy was the eldest son of Willard and Lorena Wood Villines. He was a lifelong member of First Christian Church in Harrison, joining as a teenager, and proudly graduated from Harrison High School in 1961 as a "Golden Goblin."
Jimmy dedicated his life to education, working as a teacher and coach for over 30 years. He began his career in Marvel, taught for five years in Flippin, and spent the remainder of his teaching years-23 in total-at Berryville High School. While his teams earned many victories and he received several coaching accolades, Jimmy was most proud of the impact he made on the lives of his students. He cherished every moment when a former athlete or student thanked him for helping change their life, set new goals, or turn their path around. Coaching basketball was his passion, and his legacy continues through the lives he touched.
In the last two decades of his life, Jimmy embraced a new and equally meaningful role-"Grandpa." Living in Harlingen, he poured his heart into his family with the same devotion he gave his students, earning just as much admiration in his role as a grandfather as he did as "Coach Villines."  He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Jo Villines Crawford; and two brothers, J. W. "Dub" Villines and Jerry Villines.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Sandra K. "Sandy" Crumpler Villines of the home; two sons, Tom Villines of Fayetteville and Larry Villines and his wife, Ana, of Harlingen; three grandchildren, Mary, Anthony and Alexander Villines, all of Harlingen; one surviving brother, Terry Villines of Fort Smith; two sisters-in-law, Sherry Dixon Villines and Jeannie Crumpler Smith, both of Fayetteville; three nephews, Dr. Todd Villines of Maryland, Scott Villines of Hot Springs and Matt Smith of Fayetteville; a niece, Rebecca Villines of St. Louis, Mo.; and numerous other family and friends.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 21, at Maplewood Cemetery in Harrison, with Bro. Jerry Spurlock officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Holt Memorial Chapel.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at Holt Memorial Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jimmy's honor to the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
The online obituary and guestbook are available at www.HoltChapel.com.