James Edward Stark

Life is not a journey to the grave in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly screaming "Wow, what a ride!" By H. Thompson

James Edward Stark, age 79 of Midland, Texas passed away March 15, 2014 after a 40 year battle with cancer.

James was born in Comanche, Texas on September 15, 1934 to the late

Edward Fischer Stark and Mary Aubie Love. James was a humble man after God's own heart and a lifelong Baptist.

He graduated from Mason High School and went on to the Spartan College of Aeronautical Engineering. He then entered the US Navy in August 1953 and worked as a machinists mate aboard the USS Antietam and also the USS Leyte. He at times was stationed in San Diego, Millington, Tennessee, Corpus Christi and South Carolina. He was honorably discharged in August of 1958.

After leaving the Navy, he begins his career working for Continental Airlines as an aircraft mechanic for almost 30 years. At one time he had a private pilots license and loved flying his young daughters to Mason quite a number of times.

He was involved with the Big Brother/Big Sister program and also the Midland High Robotics team. He could take an idea and make it a reality in wood or metal all the way to a machine that stamped out hotel key cards. Even with hands gnarled by psoriatic arthritis, he could create works of art in a variety of mediums.

He was also everything from the CEO to the janitor of his company, Precision Tool Company formed before retiring from Continental Airlines.

James and his wife the former Reba Joan Range were married on June 3, 1960. He is survived by his loving wife, his daughter Karen and her husband Read Johnston of Midland, Texas and by daughter Kathy Stark of Midland, Texas.

He is also survived by his sister Marianne and her husband George Mack Taff of San Saba, Texas, his brother John and his wife Peggy of El Paso, Texas and his brother Thomas of Austin, Texas. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his faithful 4 dogs--Natascha, Annie, Bit and Prince, all whom he rescued.

Visitation will be held at 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Ellis Funeral Home Tuesday March 18, 2014. The memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Chapel in Midland, Texas Wednesday March 19, 2014, with the Reverend David Johnson officiating.

The family of James Edward Stark wishes to thank Hospice of Midland for taking care of Dad in his final days here on earth. They were so sweet and Jana Cook, you were an angel. Also we want to thank his doctors and their staffs--Dr R. Case, Dr R. Vogel, Dr M. Patel, Dr R. Chappell, Dr G. Bartha, Dr B. Khandelwal, Dr A. Cholia, Dr F. McGehee, Dr J. McKenna, the staff at the VA hospitals in Big Spring and Dallas, also to M. D. Anderson and to Midland Memorial Hospital, the 6th floor staff, and also Graham Pharmacy.

We are also grateful to the members of the Coed John Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church for their loving kindness.

Memorials may be given to ones local humane society, the First Baptist Church of Midland Benevolent Committee or Hospice of Midland.

Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.