James Donald Elder Jr.

James D. Elder Jr., 69, a resident of Midway, Texas, was born on June 28, 1957, in McLeansboro, Illinois to proud parents, James Donald and Delores (Gholson) Elder and passed away on October 31, 2026.

James grew up in Carmi, Illinois and later attended Eastern Illinois University and went on to a successful career in the oil and gas industry that spanned a remarkable forty-four years. His first assignment was working as a salesman for Reed Tool Company in Ohio where he did well over the course of thirty years. His work ethic was realized as he advanced in position and willingly worked at numerous locations.

He ended his career with Reed/Hycalog as General Manager of Latin America. He loved working in Latin America and continued working for other companies until 2022. He retired from his working career in 2024 as the Executive Director of Illinois Oil and Gas Association.

In retirement, James became a master gardener at Walker County. He loved working with plants and trees and always looked forward to working on the family’s ten-acre farm in Midway, Texas. He spent many days building flowerbeds, planting fruit trees and working in the vegetable garden. In the evenings you could find him on the front porch, just enjoying the peace and looking out over the pastures.

Most of all he loved his family and friends, either talking on the phone or just spending time with them. He especially loved his granddaughter, Elena. She was his bright light!

James is preceded in death by his father, James Elder; stepmother, Audrey Elder and son, Jeremy Elder.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of forty-two years, Kathy (Heath) Elder; mother, Delores Elder; son, Jacob Elder; daughter-in-law, Alex Runnels; brothers, John Nunley (Beth), Jason Nunley (Colleen) and Terry Harper (Sherri); sisters, Connie Elder, Angie Nunley and Trudy Duvall (Donnie); granddaughter and bright light, Elena Elder and numerous other nieces, nephews, extended family and loving friends.

A funeral service honoring James’ life, officiated by pastor Joshua Price, will take place at Madisonville Funeral Home on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 3 P.M. Visitation will be held before the service starting at 1 P.M.

Final arrangements for James D. Elder Jr. are under the compassionate care and direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas – a Walters Family Funeral Home.