Jim Tolar

James Douglas Tolar "Jim", 81, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2014 at Medical Center of McKinney Hospital surrounded by family who loved him dearly. Jim was born in Trinity, Texas on August 9, 1932 to Inez and Henry Tolar. His older sister Louise Kimmey preceded him in death, as did his parents.

Jim graduated from Trinity High School in '48 and went on to graduate with a Math degree from East Texas Baptist College. After graduation Jim worked as a geophysicist for Continental Oil Company "CONOCO". Jim loved being a geophysicist. He retired from CONOCO after 30 years and worked for Transco for 5 years thereafter. Jim also bravely served his country as a member of the United States Army and fought during the Korean War.

On June 21, 1969 Jim married Zelda Sharp Haynes at Westbury Church of Christ in Houston, Texas. They were married 44 years. Jim and Zelda made so many happy memories, vacationing, camping, gardening, spending time at their lake house, and spending time with family. Jim will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by his wife Zelda, his daughter and son-in-law Peggy and Larry Lewis of Plano, Texas; his son Larry Haynes and friend Wesley Chick of Chicago, Illinois; his daughter and her husband Denise and Dennis Anderson of Selah, Washington, and his son and daughter-in-law Jim and Tammy Tolar of Richmond, Washington. Jim's grandchildren and great-grandchildren are as follows: Jonathan and Erin Lewis of McKinney, Texas and their children David (7), Alexandria (6), and Abigail (3); Katie Lewis of Allen, Texas and her son Ayden (5); Andrew and Jennifer Lewis of Carrolton, Texas and their son Cameron (5); and Jennifer Lewis who will soon be leaving to do mission work in South Africa. Jim was so loved by his family. The great-grandchildren have all agreed that their Granddaddy gave the best hugs.

Jim was so full of life and enjoyed people and sharing all his stories with them. Jim and Zelda had a lake house on Lake Livingston near Houston, Texas. They spent almost every weekend there tending Jim's large garden and harvesting his crops, fishing, boating, and mowing on his tractor. Most of all, Jim enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren, Jonathan, Katie, Andrew, and Jennifer. They were his pride and joy! In the past 7 years, Jim enjoyed sharing time with his 5 great-grandchildren.

Jim loved the Lord and shared that love with others. Jim and Zelda worshipped at Westbury Church of Christ, Sharpstown Church of Christ, Onalaska Church of Christ, Athens Church of Christ, and, currently, Greenville Oaks Church of Christ. Through the years, they have made wonderful friends everywhere they have lived; friendships that will always be treasured.
The family will receive friends at a visitation on Tuesday, May 13, 2014 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Allen Family Funeral Options. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Greenville Oaks Church of Christ, 703 S. Greenville Avenue, Allen, Texas. If desired, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Greenville Oaks Church of Christ South Africa Missions Fund.