James W. Best

James W. “Jim” Best, 79, of Abilene, TX, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, December 10, 2013. Jim passed away at his home surrounded by his family after battling cancer for six months. Visitation will be on Thursday, December 12, from 6:00-8:00pm at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Services will be 2:00 p.m. on Friday, December 13, at Pioneer Drive Baptist Church officiated by Dr. Jeff Reid, Rev. Jack Ridlehoover, and Rev. Stan Allcorn. Burial will follow in Elliott- Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery. Jim was born in 1934 in Aspermont, TX to James Elby and Levona Mae (McDowell) Best. He moved to Abilene in 1952 and started work at Abilene Candy, where he worked for 10 years. This is where he also met and married Karie Olney, to whom he was happily married for 57 years. He then moved on to become the Terminal Manager for ICX Motor Freight. In 1969, he began his career as an agent for State Farm Insurance Company. He was a dedicated agent who strived to make sure his clients were treated fairly. He was extremely committed to his agency and clients until his retirement in 1999 after 30 years of service. Since 1960, Jim and Karie have been active members of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church, where Jim served as a deacon for many years and has served in many different areas of ministry. Jim was an avid fisherman and enjoyed gospel music. He loved to travel and nothing thrilled him more than an impromptu trip, especially to the mountains in Colorado. He loved the breathtaking scenery and was able to indulge his love of fishing in the clear mountain lakes and streams. Jim was passionate about his family and had a special place in his heart for his four grandchildren. He enjoyed many family reunions sitting around the campfire listening to his sisters sing, where his great sense of humor was enjoyed by all. During his retirement years, his coffee group friends were a wonderful source of fellowship and support. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Betty Stapler of Abilene and Carolyn Boerner of Pilot Point. He is survived by his wife, Karie Best, and two daughters, Deena Lyssy and husband Dennis, of Abilene, and Michele Mangum and husband Matt, of Pflugerville, TX. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Kayla Lyssy Smith and husband Christopher, Krysta Lyssy, Noah Mangum, and Micah Mangum. He is survived by four sisters and one brother, Linda Eldredge and husband Glenn of Haltom City, Donna Bradford and husband Steve of Pilot Point, Anita Cannon and husband Calvin of Broken Arrow, OK, Janie Littrell and husband Brooks of Guymon, OK, and Gary Best of Fort Worth. Surviving brothers-in-law include W.T. Stapler of Abilene and Conrad Boerner of Pilot Point. He is also survived by a cousin, David McDowell and wife Linda of Memphis, TN whom in addition to being a very close friend, was considered by Jim as a brother. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. The family wishes to give special thanks to Don Jacobsen, who was such a faithful friend, Dr. Hari Kalla and his staff at Texas Oncology, and Hendrick Hospice. The family would also like to recognize Jim’s office assistants for their dedication and support of his agency while he was a State Farm agent. His loved ones will forever carry many fond memories of him in their hearts. He will be deeply missed. Memorials may be made in honor of Jim Best to the Pioneer Drive Baptist Church Food Pantry, 701 S. Pioneer Drive, Abilene, TX 79605, or the charity of your choice.