James Melvin Hart, age 94, passed away on Saturday, December 14th, 2024, in San Marcos Texas where he has lived since 2022. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather and uncle. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, San Marcos.

He was born May 1, 1930, in Simpsonville Community, Upshur County, Texas to George L. and Sevie V. Hart where he grew up on his family farm with his five brothers and sisters. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and loved both the woods and the beach. One of his favorite places was Elwood Lake in East Texas where he often gathered with family. He also enjoyed traveling both throughout the US and into Canada and Mexico. He had an easy sense of humor and a ready smile. He was a master storyteller, often sharing tales of his life, including his horse "Old Tony," a family dog "Junior," and adventures with his siblings. He continued sharing stories with us until his last days.

In his 20's, he began his career with the Santa Fe Railroad, retiring as Yardmaster in Dallas in 1992 after more than 40 years. He was active in the community, both in various church roles and his support of community theater. James will be remembered as a man who had strong Christian beliefs. He was a true gentleman who lived the values of honesty, hard work, loyalty, kindness and care for others.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Carolyn Barkman Hart of San Marcos TX, daughters Rhonda Kay Davis of Summerville SC, Margaret Elaine Stewart-Hart (spouse Marjorie) of Holliston MA, Susan Elizabeth Hart of San Marcos TX, and April Michelle Hart Burns (spouse Sean) of Mooresville NC. He also has 8 grandchildren, Charles Russell (Rusty) Davis (partner Mathilda) of Lexington Kentucky, Kimberley Denise Sammon of Wilmington DE, Stacy Roy Davis of Wilmington DE, Oksana Michelle Hart of Madison WI, Christina Lauren Burns of North Andover, MA; Collin Patrick Burns of Mooresville NC, Anya Elizabeth Hart of San Antonio TX and Sarah Michelle Burns of Mooresville NC. Finally, he has 4 great grandchildren Brittany Elaine Sammon, Joshua Paul Davis, Taylor Monroe Davis, Sydney Kay Davis; and 2 great-great grandchildren Gavin Vincent Gianfrancesco and Rylee Mae Davis, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George L. and Sevie V. Hart, his sisters Dorothy Marie Hackler and Claudia Jewell Matkin, and brothers Royce Lafayette, Arlis Wilton and Curtis Virgil.

Services will be held on December 23, 2024, 10 a.m. at Mesquite City Cemetery located at 400 Holly Park Drive, Mesquite Texas 75149.

A memorial will be held in January at the First United Methodist Church, 129 W. Hutchison St., San Marcos, Texas 78666.

As an alternative to flowers may we suggest donations to your local Salvation Army or the Alzheimer's Association.