James Dee Pearman

James Dee Pearman, 66, of Alto, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024, in Tyler.

Visitation was Sunday, January 7, at 1 p.m. in the Alto High School Gymnasium, followed by Funeral Services at 2 o’clock, officiated by family friend, Jordan Grindle. Burial was in the Old Palestine Cemetery in Alto.

Born in Jacksonville, to JH (Sonny) and Jean Pearman, Jimmy Dee attended Alto ISD, where he was a National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalist and graduated as the highest ranking male in 1975: he always said if you graduated third you didn’t have to give a speech. After high school, JD attended Stephen F. Austin State University, leaving there to return to work alongside his brother, Bob, at Pearman Motor Company when their dad became too ill to continue the family business. The two brothers have grown and continued the family legacy, where Pearman Motor Company, now in business for 87 years, continually receives the top honors from Stellantis. Master Certified in Parts and Service, JD was well known for his photographic mind and ability to recall part numbers and where they are located in the Parts Department. Lee, his nephew, was known to make a bet with a mechanics when they had an obsolete part off a vehicle and always won because JD did know the part and its number.

JD was a member of the Terrell Masonic Lodge and proudly served as District Deputy Grandmaster of Masonic District 21 A of the Grand Lodge of Texas. Active in the school and community JD was a member of the Alto ISD School Board, serving for 7 years, member and past president of the Alto Booster Club, and currently serves as the President of the Old Palestine Cemetery Association.

Since 1978, Friday nights meant JD was the PA announcer for the Alto Yellowjacket Football games and along the way became the play-by-play man on radio broadcast while on the road. He also broadcast Alto Ladyjacket softball playoff and state championships. Above all, JD enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He never said ‘no’ to lunch, dinner, hunting or Vegas trip. Pop and Lolly were dedicated Parrotheads, and quickly converted their girls and sons-in-law to join them in the fun and adventure. The annual family Buffett trip was highly anticipated by everyone and hundreds of memories were made.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 24 years, Jamie. His daughters: Becky and Brandon Koenning, Round Rock, Texas; Katy and Clay Cade, Snyder, Texas; Tory and Brett Lester, Monument, Colorado; and Molly Pearman and fiancé, Morgan Sonnenschein, of Kansas City, Missouri. He was the proud “Pop” to his seven grandchildren: Lillian, Andrew, and Marjorie Koenning, Parker and Nora Cade, and Boone and Ruby Kit Lester. JD is also survived by his brother Bob and wife, Liz; nephew, Lee and Jennifer Pearman; nieces Ellen and Frank Crothers; and Kelly and Thomas Rogers; aunt, Stephanie Caveness; and cousin Dee Caveness.

Pallbearers were Brandon Koenning, Clay Cade, Lee Pearman, David Lara, Grant Brannen, and Dee Caveness. Honorary Pallbearers were Brett Lester, Morgan Sonnenschein, Binky Johnson, Thomas Rogers and all his Pearman Motor Company Family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Old Palestine Cemetery Association or the Terrell Lodge.