On Feb. 21, James Stancel De Voll, passed from this life into eternal rest. This was his greatest desire and he spent 60 years teaching others the gospel of Jesus Christ so that they, too, might share in that same faith and hope.

James was born in Gorman, Texas on Jan. 29, 1936, to George Mose and Ida Marie Craig De Voll, the youngest of six siblings. When he was four, the family moved to San Saba where they lived until he graduated high school in 1954. He then moved to Abilene to go to what was then known as Abilene Christian College. He then continued to Alpine, to complete his higher education at Sul Ross University with a Bachelor of Arts and Teaching Degree in 1958.

While in college he met the love of his life, Judith Patricia Craig. After a year of wooing her affections, he then courted her through a series of visits and letters in 1958. They married on Jan. 1, 1959. She expected to be marrying an art Teacher but before too long, James began preaching in Marfa. He preached for 60 years at various churches of Christ and also had a few secular jobs along the way to help support his family. These secular jobs ranged from house painter to boat mechanic, from printer to “gumball roller”. He did put his degree to use substitute teaching for a few of the kid’s school classes.

James and Judy had four delightful children and then became grandparents to six grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. James was a very active and involved father. He was in Cub Scouts, coached t-ball, was involved in the Band Boosters, and delighted in scaring his children to death any chance he got. James was over the moon when in the presence of his grandkids and great grandkids. He would play outside, inside, and even down on the floor with them.

James is survived by his lovely wife of 64 years, Judy DeVoll; daughter Michelle Files and husband Leonard. Michelle’s daughters, Crystal Shutt, and husband David, and their children, Emma, Lucas, Zane, Finley, Parker, Ava, and Sadie.

Janis Beard and husband Michael, and their children, Tyler, Kymie, Adalee, Michael, and Ainslee.

Dana Cole and husband Jonathan, and their two boys Jackson and Thomas. Piper Nard and husband Christopher, and their sons Cale, Pruitt, and Callaway.

His son Michael De-Voll and partner Gary Gee.

His son Kelly DeVoll and wife Tia, and their children Samantha and Jesse.

His sister Dorothy Dickey and her children Brandt and wife Nancy, Janis Bluhm and husband Garland, Teresa West and husband Peter.

His sister-in-law Pat DeVoll and her children George and wife Josie, Shari Testa and her husband Ron, Laura Graves and husband Ken, and her son Lane DeVoll and wife Stacie.

His nieces Regina Busby, Marsha Roach, and nephew Rodney DeVoll and wife Karlin.

His nephews Larry, Philip, Edwin, Jeff and Gregory Gage and niece Sharon Parsons.

His nephews David Cobern and Glendon Rose III and wife Carrie. His nieces, Elizabeth, Barbara, and Tandra Cobern.

His sister-in-law Robbie Wagner and her husband Ralph.

His nephew Rodney Glawson and wife Michelle and their children Ellie and Jacob.

His brother-in-law Richard Craig.

And many dear and close friends and brethren that he loved and with whom he worshipped the Lord for many years.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Ida and George DeVoll, his other set of parents that he never considered in-laws, Robert and Ola Craig, his oldest son Craig DeVoll, his grandson William Beard, his brother George Stanley DeVoll, his brother Sanford DeVoll and wife Maureen, his sister Neita Gage and husband Clint, his brother-in-law Charles Dickey, his sister Peggy Cobern and husband Neal, his nieces Renee DeVoll and Patricia Rose.