Breckenridge Texan

James “Jim Bob” Coody, 77, of Breckenridge, passed away May 24, 2021, surrounded by his family in the home where he was raised. His funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church, with Dr. Jim Abel and Rev. Johnny Miller officiating the service. His interment will take place at the Breckenridge Cemetery under the direction of Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home.

James Robert Coody III, known since birth as Jim Bob, was born on December 7, 1943, in Breckenridge, Texas, to Jane and J.R. Coody, Jr. Jane and J.R. moved from their Haskell ranch to Breckenridge in 1945.

Jim Bob graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1962, where he was a member of the Breckenridge Buckaroo football team from 1958 to 1962. After graduation, he enrolled at Texas Tech University, graduating in 1966 with a degree in Agricultural Economics. While at Tech, he met Suzi Rosser, and the two were married on August 27, 1966. Upon graduation, Jim Bob and Suzi moved to Breckenridge. They continued ranching near Haskell and Caddo, where the Coody Ranch was established in 1901. The family received the Family Land Heritage Award in 2010 for continuous agriculture operation by the same family for over 100 years.

Jim Bob was an active member of the community: he served on the Breckenridge ISD School Board and was active with both the Stephens County Stock Show and the Stephens County Junior Rodeo. He coached Little Dribblers and Girls Softball. One of his passions was the Aldersgate Enrichment Center in Early, Texas, where he served on the Aldersgate Board as president for many years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where he served in many capacities, including teaching the High School Sunday School Class, being a Lay Leader, and participating in the church choir. Jim Bob was an avid Texas Tech fan and member of the Red Raider Club scholarship donors.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Suzi Rosser Coody; his son, J.R. and wife, Libby, of Lenorah, Texas; his daughter, Sunny Coody Orr and husband, Chris, of Stephenville; along with three grandchildren, Rosser and Molly Orr, and Kaylee Coody. Carrying on with the family tradition, Rosser and Molly are enrolled at Texas Tech University, where they are 4th generation Red Raiders; and there are high hopes for Kaylee to follow.

Memorials donations may be made in Jim Bob’s name to the Swenson Memorial Museum, Meals on Wheels, and Dr. Goodall’s House and can be left at the Melton-Kitchens Funeral Home office. Condolence may be made online at meltonkitchens.com.