James Byrd Bearden of Matador passed away on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. Services were held Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Matador. Burial will follow at East Mound Cemetery.
James was born on February 14, 1942 in Motley County to Jack Bearden and Ethel (Toots) Bird Bearden. James attended elementary school at the school located on the family ranch and continued his education in junior high and high school in Matador. He graduated from Matador High School in 1960. He received his bachelor’s degree from West Texas State.
James was blessed with two children, Tina and James Hal. James loved ranching, and managing cattle on the ranch. Watching the wildlife on the ranch brought him joy, especially in his later years. The ranch was a special place to James, but he loved it the most when his family, his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids visited the ranch. James had a hobby of looking for arrowheads and artifacts. He was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Matador.
James was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Carlena Osborn; a brother, Ros Bearden; and his son, James Hal Bearden.
James is survived by the mother of his children, Gail (Brown) Harwell; his daughter, Tina Bearden Hartness (Greg); three grandchildren, Derek (Kristen) Loveless, Holly (Steven) Bellah, and Hannah Hartness; six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Jackie (Ricky) Green.
Pallbearers were Britt Bearden, Tanner Bearden, Max Bearden, Ricky Green, Eric Green and Tim Shannon.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Matador Volunteer Fire Department, the Matador First United Methodist Church, the East Mound Cemetery or Matador Senior Citizens.