Jim Pennington, 84 of Vernon Texas, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024, in Vernon, Texas.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 11:00 am at First Methodist Church with Rev. Terry Tamplen, Rev. Anthony Inman, and Rev. George Records officiating. Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.

Jim was born on December 13, 1939, in Christ the King Hospital in Vernon, Texas. He was the son of Vernon and Annabelle Pennington.

Jim attended Vernon High School and graduated in 1958. He then attended Texas Christian University and graduated from Midwestern University with a business degree. Jim managed Vernon Parts Company, a family owned business and machine shop which began in 1944.

During Jim's younger years, he held a first-class radio-telephone license, an amateur radio license and enjoyed many experiences with his ham radio friends.

Jim can also be remembered fondly for his nightly "Jim's Jive" radio show on KVWC for call in music requests by Vernon's teenagers!

He held a private pilot's license and pursued his love of flying for many years.

Jim enjoyed all activities at Lake Kemp including mowing his grass, crappie fishing, boating,  excelling at water skiing and even barefoot water skiing. He taught many kids to water ski.

For many years, accompanied with a fun group of guys, Jim enjoyed mule deer hunting trips near Folsom, New Mexico, and in later years, fly fishing trips to Creede and Lake City, Colorado.

Jim loved his home town of Vernon and was deeply involved with the community. He was a member of First Methodist Church and attended First Presbyterian Church. Jim was also a Master Mason and member of the Masonic Lodge and Masqat Temple. He was also a long-time member of the Vernon Lions Club. Jim served faithfully on the Herring Bank Board of Directors for over forty years.

Jim loved spending time with his friends and especially enjoyed his two daily coffee breaks with his coffee "buddies" and Wednesday night "Deacon's" group! Jim also became an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, and looked forward to every game!

He was preceded in death by his parents, Annebelle and Vernon Pennington, Sue Moore Pennington, and his wife Vicki Pennington.

Jim is survived by his sons Andrew Pennington and Chris Pennington, cousins, Kay Belew, Kim Christian, Theresa Bender, Vickie Pennington of California, and numerous other cousins. Jim will also be missed by his longtime friend, Paul Hartin, his beloved dog Mollie, and helper Eva.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 28, 2024, at First Methodist Church from 10:00 am until services begin.

Memorials can be made to Vernon Boys & Girls Club, Wilbarger County Humane Society, First Methodist Church, or First Presbyterian Church.