James "Jim" Cheek

James Lester Cheek, Sr., passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2023 in Abilene. He was born February 2, 1936 in Lee County, VA to Vashti Dean Cheek and Leonard Cheek.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 23, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd. Funeral services will be 2:00 pm on Friday, February 24 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park.

Jim joined the United States Airforce in 1956, and was eventually transferred to Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene, where he met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Smith. Jim and Pat were married June 27, 1958 and were happily married for 64 years. After marrying, Jim and Pat moved to Kentucky for a short time then later returned to Abilene where they had eight kids: Debbie and David Rodriguez of Abilene, Deedee and Richard Snapp of Buffalo Gap, Shelley Bernal of Abilene, Stephanie and Moazzam "Zoomie" Shah of Hurst, James Jr. and Joann Cheek of Abilene, Kevin Cheek of Abilene, Timothy and Shea Cheek of Abilene, and Kimberly Cheek of Abilene.

Jim worked for the City of Abilene for 37 years, retiring as Field Operations Superintendent. Unable to sit at home, Jim went to work for Bill Starks until a stroke forced retirement. He was a member and Deacon of Friendship Baptist Church for over 50 years.

Jim was a great man whose children and grandchildren saw as their hero; he was always there to help and support. He adored Pat and always made sure his kids took care of their Mommy. Jim loved spending his time outdoors fishing and hunting with his kids. He loved the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Cowboys, win or lose. He loved spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids. Later in life, his favorite thing to do was spend time with Pat watching sports and the Game Show Network, and eating his oatmeal cookies. Daddy, Grandpa, and Pop was adored and will be missed by all.

Jim is survived by Pat and their eight kids; siblings Melvin and Mary Cheek, Joan and Joe Biancke, Carrie and Robert Gordy, Oscar and Janet Cheek, and Betty Martin; eight grandkids; seven great-grandkids, and lots of nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother and father, sister Ruth Lequire, sister Mickey Nickerson, brothers Lowell Cheek and Harrold Cheek, and grandson Jonathan Marks.

Jim's family would like to thank Enhabit Hospice Care and Wisteria Place for their care and compassion.