James Parham Hord, age 86, of Huntsville, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on January 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 28, 1939, in Huntsville, Texas, to Newton and Emma (Armstrong) Hord.
James was an extremely driven man who took immense pride in working and staying active throughout his life. He had a natural gift for meeting people and making friends and truly never met a stranger. His warm personality and friendly spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
A devoted servant of the Lord, James, was deeply involved in his church, where he faithfully served as a deacon and later as an elder. His love for God guided his life, and he remained dedicated to his church family until his health no longer allowed him to continue.
In his younger years, James enjoyed playing golf and going hunting.
He was preceded in death by his father, Newton Hord; mother, Emma Hord; stepfather, Elmer Graves; daughter, Jill Hord; son, Jeff Hord; brother, Chuck Hord; sister, Doris Horton; and brother, Vernon Hord.
James is survived by his loving wife of sixty-six years, Judy Hord of Huntsville; daughter, Janet Scoggin and husband, Jamie, of Apple Springs; grandchildren, John Hord and wife, Allyson, Roby Ross, Kelsie Templeton and husband, Trevor, Jason Ross and wife, Sydney, Layne Bethea and wife, Hannah, Jakob Bethea and wife, Hannah, and River James Hord Shirley; eleven great-grandchildren; brother, Ernest "Buck" Leslie Hord and wife, Kathie; sister, Donna Barnett and husband, Tony; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
The family will have a memorial service at a later date.
James will be remembered for his strong work ethic, unwavering faith, and genuine love for people. His life was a blessing, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.