James "Jimmy" Franklin Erskine, Sr.

Jimmy was born to Betsy V. McQuerry and Charles F. Erskine in Marlin, Texas on December 6, 1946. He grew up in Marlin and graduated from Marlin High School. He lived a full life. As a young man, he honored his country with his service in the Navy. He attended both Texas Tech University and Texas A&M University. Then, he lived in Alaska where three of his four children were born. He worked in Alaska as a mud man on the north slope, a crabber, a salmon fishing guide, and a big game hunting guide. When he returned to Texas, he settled and tended to the ancestral land that captured his heart.

Jimmy was a generous and kind man with many interests. He greatly loved his family and the important people in his life. He had many interests including reading, fishing, landing trophy redfish, watching old western movies, plowing, and sitting on his porch. He particularly enjoyed hunting, during which he scoped the tree line for the elusive Mr. Big and often passed on bucks that would make most hunters proud. Jimmy loved anything that had to do with nature and would regularly call his children and grandchildren to tell them of the flowers that were blooming, the berries that were ripening, and the birds that were singing. In his largesse, his family was always supplied with a plethora of Gulf Coast shrimp, Texas pecans, and wild local honey. In his life, he was a good man with a generous spirit.

Jimmy was preceded in death by both of his parents Betsy and Charles, his cousin Zill Harlan (Mary), and his faithful Blue Heeler “Easy.” He is survived by his sister June Rosetti (Paul), Cousin Alfred McAlister (Marjatta), and Cousin Hugh Erskine (Diane). Additionally, he is survived by his four children Zach (Didine), Anna (Louis), David (Melissa), James, and four grandchildren.

A memorial will be held to honor his passing at Blue Ridge Baptist Church on Friday, May 24, 2024, beginning at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the National Audubon Society, Arbor Day Foundation, or World Wildlife Fund to honor Jimmy and his love of nature.