James T. Cofield Sr.

James Terry Cofield Sr., age 87, of Lamar, Missouri passed away February 16, 2020, at his home. James was born July 9, 1932 in Bardwell, TX  to James Gilliam Cofield and Mary Ethel (Vise) Cofield. On February 9, 1952, he married Betty Jane Burton in Dallas, TX and she preceded him in death.  He then married Carol Jean Ward on September 27, 2014 in Lamar, MO and she survives of the home. James started Safety Lights Inc. in 1968 and purchased Eagle Lights in 1978 and provided Highway Paving, Striping and Maintenance. He was a member of the Houston, TX Chamber of Commerce and operated his ranch in East Texas before moving to Lamar in 1989, where he owned several ranches in Missouri.In addition to his wife Carol, he is survived by one son, James Terry Cofield Jr. Lamar, MO; one daughter, Dorothy Jane Chastain and husband Charlie of Farmington, MO; two step-sons, Jerry Bishop, McCook, NE and James Bishop and wife Jennifer, Lamar, MO; five grandchildren, Tammy, Heather, Tra, Jared, and Joel; five step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild, Bentlee Lucas Ehrsam; and Glenn Hammock a long time friend  who started working for Mr. Cofield in 1967 and looked to James as a father figure.Preceding James in death were his parents, first wife Betty Jane Cofield, four brothers, Edward Cofield, E.J. Cofield, James Cofield, and Cecil Cofield. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Daniel Funeral Home with burial to follow in Howell Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.  Contributions are suggested and made payable to the Alzheimer's Association in care of Daniel Funeral Home.