James Harold Lear, 84, of Abilene, passed away on September 20, 2026, in Abilene, Texas.

Visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m. on October 2, 2026, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 a.m. that same day, also at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, with Bernard Chris Dorsey, President of Disciples Home Missions officiating. Burial will follow at 1:00pm at Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

James was born in Rotan, Texas, to Alva C. and Lucille B. Lear on July 2, 1942. He attended school in Rotan through junior high, then moved to Midland for his freshman year of high school before the family settled in Monahans, where he graduated from Monahans High School in 1961.

On October 24, 1964, James married Nita Ann Gaede in Matador, Texas. Their nearly 62 years together were marked by joy and celebration — the two were known for winning “Anniversary Dance Contests” at wedding celebrations, and next month would have marked their 62nd wedding anniversary.

James enjoyed the outdoors, including golfing and fly-fishing in Colorado. His favorite pastime, though, may have been supporting his girls in their endeavors and spending time with his family.

While in high school, he worked for RC Cola and loved telling stories about “peddling soda pop.” James served on active duty with the U.S. Army from June 1961 to June 1964, then continued in the U.S. Army Reserves until July 1967. After his military service, he went on to work for El Paso Natural Gas for 30 years, retiring in 1995.

James and Nita spent their post-retirement years traveling the country in their RV — his only regret was that he didn’t start sooner.

Nothing made him happier than being with family. His love was evident in the way he lived his life and served his family.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Alva and Lucille Lear; his brother, Charles Lear; his sisters, Neva McNeese and Stella Bowman; and his brother-in-law, Bill McNeese.

James leaves behind his loving wife, Nita Lear; his daughters, Lesley and her husband, Wayne Sims, and Tracey and her husband, Lance Gunn; his sister-in-law, Velma Lou Lear; and his brother-in-law, R.B. “Sonny” Bowman. He was a proud grandfather to Kerstin Clark (Jake), McKenzie Vickers (Kerry), Kennedy Wimberley (Matthew), Taegen Gunn, and Tynan Gunn, and a loving great-grandfather to Kimber Clark, Brantley Clark, Kasin Vickers, and Sullivyn Vickers.

He also leaves behind a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews, along with many others who loved him dearly. James’s family was an important part of his life, and the love they shared will remain a treasured part of his memory.