James Earl Lockhart III
James Earl Lockhart III, 46, of Ennis, Texas, went to be with the Lord on May 29th, 2022. James, also known affectionately as Bradley to family and friends, was born on October 29th, 1975 to James Earl Lockhart II and Shelia Ann Lockhart of Ennis, Texas. James graduated from high school in 1994. He then attended Navarro Community College with a focus on Criminal Justice. James (Bradley) met the love of his life, Jennifer Nunnery, while in high school. They were classmates, friends, and then sweethearts. They had two children, James Earl Lockhart IV and Jordan Dajae Lockhart. James (Bradley) went on to work at Certain Teed, a local shingle factory in town. He worked there for 8 years with his father, then worked at various other jobs throughout his life. Bradley later in life was blessed with two additional children, Jace and Jacelyn Lockhart, whom he loved dearly.
James (Bradley) was a force of nature. He was determined to provide for his beautiful family and give them the life that he never had growing up, the life they deserved. The health and well-being of his family meant more to him than anything else in the world. Something James often mentioned to his children was that “I would move heaven and earth for you just to see you happy because you’re my children and I’ll never stop loving you guys”.
James was also very passionate about sports. He was a star athlete in high school. He played football and competed in power lifting as well. He had offers from Notre Dame and Arizona State for football, but chose to stay home to take care of his family. He was extremely competitive in everything he did, whether that was competing in football or playing Madden. He could often be found throwing the football with his son or nephews in the backyard, or challenging people to play video games. Anyone who knew James (Bradley), knew that he had a heart full of gold and was the most loving father and friend a person could ask for. James would want those closest to him to be happy for him and not upset. He would want us to celebrate him and his life. He would want everyone to come together, love each other unconditionally, keep the faith, and stay strong!
James (Bradley) is survived by his four children: James Earl Lockhart IV (Amalia Bowden), Jordan Lockhart, Jace Lockhart, and Jacelyn Lockhart; his mother: Sheila Ann Lockhart; two sisters: Kim Lockhart (Donald Embry) and Jamillah Lockhart-Lewis (Broderick Lewis); three nephews: Jeffrey Burdett (Jennifer Goforth), Jacob Burdett, and Jameson Burdett; two great-nephews: Jaxon Burdett and Jayson Burdett; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father: James Earl Lockhart II; his grandfathers: James Earl Lockhart Sr., and Calvin “Bear” Evans Sr.; and his grandmothers: Frankie Mae Lockhart, and Irene Bradley Evans.
Visitation will be held on June 10, 2022, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Independent Missionary Baptist Church, 1108 W Milam Street, Ennis, TX 75119.
Celebration of life will be held on June 11, 2022, at 11 a.m., also at Independent Missionary Baptist Church.
