Mr. James Leon Barkwell was born August 14, 1934 in Daingerfield, TX to Sheffield and Seralda Barkwell. He graduated in 1952 from Rhoads High School of Daingerfield, TX. After high school, James served in the Army for 4 years. Following his service in the Military, he was employed by Crain Chemical Co. in Dallas, TX until he started his own business, Barkwell Heating and Refrigeration.

James was a faithful member of Greater El Bethel Baptist Church (Dallas, TX) under the leadership of the late Pastor C. C. McNealy. There he served on the Deacon Board and Finance committee.

On July 9, 1983, James married the Love of His life, Valarie Davis.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, brother (SB), three sons (Glen, Anthony and Eric), two grandsons (Eric and Antoine) and brother-in-law (John Dodd).

James leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Valarie; daughters: Mary Ann Isaiah (Ron), Towdolyn Barkwell, Leatrice Hammonds (Steve), Tawanda Houston (John), Erica Buffington, Kenyada Cooper, Nicole Rawls (Joe), LaTisha Askew (Charles), Brianna Terrell (Ryan); sons Gary Lewis (Aurora), Alfred Walker (Rose), Ronnie Brown, Chris Shelton (Kim), Tim Sanders; 47 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; sister Nolia Mae Dodd; mother-in-law Sallie Davis; sister-in-law Helen Johnson; adopted daughter and grandson Deloris & Cameryn Robinson; special cousin James Hurndon; dear friends Travis Wallace, Erma Jamerson, Frank James, Curtis McCarty, Kevin Middleton, Francis Stigers, the McNealy Family and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.