James Edward Eckert, 81, passed from this life on Friday, April 25, 2025 in Nocona, TX. He was born July 5, 1943 in Sioux Falls, SD to Clarence Eckert and Novella Meinholdt Eckert. 

 He grew up in Oak Cliff, TX, graduating from Kimball High School in 1961. He went on to graduate from North Texas State University in 1965, where he met Barbara Jones. They married on October 2, 1965 in Dallas, TX and shared 59 years together. He taught science and coached football and baseball in the Dallas area before moving to the Houston area, where he and Barbara started a successful medical supply business. James became well-respected in the industry, serving as president of the Texas Association of Medical Equipment Dealers. He and Barbara operated their business until their retirement in 2000, when they moved to north Texas to be closer to family. He was a lifelong Lutheran, serving as president of the local congregation in Houston. He played the trumpet, trombone, and flugelhorn in polka bands for most of his life, beginning in high school and continuing until his retirement, and played rec league softball. James had a larger-than-life personality and was unfailingly loyal, generous, and outgoing to friends and strangers alike. He was hard-working and dedicated to excellence and service, and he cherished his family and put their well-being and happiness above all else.  

 He is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Mick Eckert. 

 He is survived by his wife, Barbara Eckert of Nocona, TX; his daughter, Catherine Woodbury and husband Dave of Nocona; his daughter-in-law, Sharon Eckert of Celina, TX; his sister, Nina Griggs; five grandchildren, Jordan Eckert, Jared Eckert and wife Danielle, Charlie Woodbury, Madeline Woodbury, and Caroline Woodbury; four great-grandchildren, Lawson, Riley, Hunter, and Colt Higgins; one great-granddaughter on the way, Lilah Eckert; and numerous extended family members. 

 Family visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 30 at 1pm in the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Services will follow at 2:30pm with Pastor Dave Woodbury officiating. Burial will be at Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers are Byron Griggs, Mark Griggs, Brett Griggs, Johnny Hughes, Wayne Coats, Chris Keck, Ken Koontz, and Steve Watson.  Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 511 Cooke St., Nocona, TX 76255.