Shirley Irene James

Shirley Irene James, whose life blessed so many friends and loved ones, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. Shirley was born January 25, 1935, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, to Alvie and Pauline Grove Cook. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Calvin James. Shirley’s sister-in-law, Sue James, and brother-in-law, Dr. Melton James, also preceded her in death. Shirley leaves behind her brother, Jerry Allen Cook and wife Carol, her sister, Vickie Norene Green and husband Rick, sister-in-law, Dr. Cheryl Feigal-James, brother-in-law, Jerry Howard, nephews Tracey Cook and wife Jamie, Marcus Howard, David James and wife Carrie, David Green and wife Crystal, and nieces Leslie Bokemeyer and husband Steven, Angela Copeland, and numerous great nephews, great nieces, and many cousins. Shirley also leaves behind many beloved Royal Lane Baptist Church family.

Shirley graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1953, earned her bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Baptist University in 1957, and her master’s degree from Southern Methodist University. She taught junior high mathematics for over 30 years. After retirement, she and her husband, Calvin James, formed a partnership business known as James & Associates Landscaping.

Shirley married her soul mate, Calvin Gene James, at First Baptist Church, Tecumseh in 1957. They remained married until his death in 2011.

Shirley and Calvin joined Royal Lane Baptist Church, Dallas, in 1967, and served in many capacities during their many years there.

Viewing will be at Royal Lane Baptist Church, 6707 Royal Lane, Dallas, TX 75230, Thursday, August 1, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 2 at 11:00 a.m. at Royal Lane Baptist Church.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, August 3, at 2:00 p.m., Cooper Funeral Home, 210 W. Walnut Street, Tecumseh, Oklahoma.

Graveside services will follow the family and friends gathering in Tecumseh Cemetery, Tecumseh, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Music & Worship Ministries of Royal Lane Baptist Church.