Jim Tongate, 83 of Early passed away Saturday February 6, 2010. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00pm Tuesday February 9th, in the Davis-Morris Funeral Home Chapel, with Jimmy Mize and Monte Campbell officiating. Burial will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00pm Monday February 8th at Davis-Morris Funeral Home.
James Maxwell Tongate was born October 9, 1924 to Ben and Celeste Tongate, in Brown County, Texas, about 2 miles from where he lived. He served his country during World War II in the United States Army. Jim married Patsy Bullard in 1950 and from their union came three children. He was a member of Salt Creek Baptist church, but more importantly he had a relationship with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jim was involved in many different organizations including: Woodsmen of the World, Pipeliner’s Union 798, the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers, Farm Bureau Association, and a member of the Salt Creek Cemetery Association, where he also served on the board of directors. Jim enjoyed farming and ranching, and truly believed in working hard. He always said “If you’ve got a problem, go to work”. Jim was a living example of a solid work ethic. During his time in the oil industry, Jim had the opportunity to work all over the world in places like Europe, Pakistan, Canada, Mexico, and off shore in the North Sea.
Mr. Tongate was preceded in death by his parents Benjamin Cyrus and Celeste Fortson Tongate, his brother Marshal B. Tongate, and his daughter Patricia Darlene Tongate.
Survivors include his son JimBoy Tongate and wife Charlotte, his daughter Jenny Tongate, his grandchildren: Audry King; Warren Tongate and wife, Saundra; Becky Tongate; Chance Gesch and wife, Morgan; Angie Jackson and husband, Chad; Mandy Smith and husband, Dennis; Aaron Tongate and Erica; and Cy Tongate, and ten great-grandchildren with two on the way.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Salt Creek Baptist Church Building Fund or Salt Creek Cemetery Association, in Mr. Tongate’s honor.