James Kingrea

James “Jim” Kingrea passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, at a hospital in Dallas, with his wife, Jan, by his side.

Jim was born on July 12, 1946, in Terrell, Texas to Byron Giles Kingrea and Mary Frances Spikes Kingrea. Jim went to school in Springtown and graduated from Springtown High School in 1965. After High School he attended the University of Corpus Christi where he received a football scholarship. He later earned a degree in business administration from Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth. Jim dedicated a significant part of his life to his career, starting at Lockheed Martin in 1983. After 25 years, both he and Jan retired, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and service to the company. In 2024, he was honored by being inducted into the Springtown “Wall of Honor”, a tribute to his achievements in football and track.

Jim was well-known for his easygoing nature and sweet temperament. He was a quiet person, often reserved about his own accomplishments, but his love for Jan was evident. The couple shared an inseparable bond, having been married for almost 58 years without a single argument. They did everything together and made many memories traveling and socializing with friends in Springtown, and throughout North Texas.

In addition to his professional and personal life, Jim had a passion for hobbies that brought him joy. He loved high school and college football, proudly cheering for the Springtown and TCU football teams. He served on the Springtown ISD Board of Trustees on two occasions for 6 years total. He enjoyed sailing at Eagle Mountain Lake with our sailing buddies Jim and Dede Loudermilk of Azle and he held a special fondness for his and Jan’s summer home in Eagle Nest, New Mexico. After retirement, Jim discovered oil painting, and he and Jan have many of his paintings decorating their home today.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his son, John Ballard Kingrea.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 58 years, Jan; brother David Kingrea and wife Ann of Atlanta, GA; sister Suzy Albus and husband Ron of Sarasota, FL; grandsons Alex Snead and wife Bette of Vancouver, BC, and James Aaron Kingrea and wife Audrey of Azle; special daughter-in-law Jennifer Watson and husband Johnny, and special grandsons Aiden and Jacob Watson; as well as many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.

His warmth, kindness, and love will remain in the hearts of those he touched and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jan would like to thank Texas Oncology of Fort Worth and Dallas as well as Baylor Scott and White Dallas for their care of Jim during the past weeks and months.