James David Wilhelm, 65 of La Grange, passed away April 4, 2026 after a 5-month long battle of liver and lung cancer.

He was born April 30, 1960 in Kermit, Texas to James and Dora (Holmes) Wilhelm.

He was baptized at New Testament Baptist Church (presently known as Crosspoint) in 1982.

He is preceded in death by his parents James A. Wilhelm and Dora L. Wilhelm, grandparents David R. Wilhelm and Willie Mae (Stone) Wilhelm, Clifton F. Holmes and Cordilla Irene (Stone) Holmes and one brother, James (Randy) Randall Means.

James is survived by sister Zinda Carroll and husband Bob of La Grange, sister LaVynda Montgomery of Sweetwater, nephew Corey Wade and wife Angel of Celina, niece Terrinda Schoelman and husband Wade of El Campo, and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are through Fayette Memorial Funeral Home in La Grange. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Fayette Memorial with a private, family graveside to follow.

The Final Flight

By an Unknown Author

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,

I’m following the path God laid for me.

I took his hand when I heard his call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work, to play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I’ve found that peace at the end of the day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Ah, yes, these things too I will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My Life’s been full, I savoured much,

Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my times seemed all too brief,

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wanted me now, He set me free.