Jimmy Ross Palmer's Obituary
Jimmy Ross Palmer was born on September 3, 1934 in Kilgore, Texas to Ross and Bess Palmer. He returned to his heavenly home on March 2, 2024, with his wife by his side, in Longview, Texas at the age of 89.
Jim's family moved to Many, Louisiana where he attended Catholic School from first to sixth grades. They moved to Gladewater, Texas and Jim attended Union Grove School, graduating in 1953. He went into the United States Air Force and was stationed in Misawa Air Base of Japan and at Barksdale in Louisiana.
Upon his return home, he married the love of his life, Mary Louise Wilcox Palmer, on July 4, 1958. The couple celebrated their 65th Anniversary on July 4, 2023.
Jim attended Stephen F. Austin University, proudly graduating with a B.B.A. in 1961. After graduation, Jim was hired by Phillips Petroleum as a Marketing Director. Later, as a District Manager, the job moved the couple many times to cities, including Houston, Dallas, Uvalde, and Amarillo. After 15 years with Phillips, they returned to east Texas and established a State Farm Agency. Jim was a State Farm agent in Longview, Texas for 20 years until his retirement.
Jim and his wife enjoyed traveling and some of their favorite trips were bass fishing on Toledo Bend, the State Basketball Tournament in Austin, Texas, traveling to Branson, Missouri and Costa Rica. After retiring, they traveled in their motorhome, making life long friends wintering in the Texas valley.
Jim never met a stranger and could always make you laugh with a wonderful story. He was a very caring and generous person and will be greatly missed by family and friends.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Louise Palmer, and his best friends Rob and Kathy Kilgore. A private memorial service was held on March 6, 2024, with burial at Gladewater Memorial Cemetery in Gladewater, Texas.
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