Jimmy was born in Cushing, OK to James Edward Appleby and Nyla Irene Appleby. He grew up in Drumright, OK where he attended Drumright High School. He then went on to attend University of Tulsa where he graduated with a Management Major and served as president of the men's dormitory. After graduation, he moved to Texas to work for Gulf Oil which began his professional career. Although his career started in the oil business, he moved on to trucking sales and finally heavy equipment sales. He always had a love for the transportation/trucking industry and had expansive knowledge of many aspects which helped in his success over the years. As a previous colleague said, "God's going to be putting lift gates on everything because nobody could tell that man no."
He was a loving father, husband, and friend. He never knew a stranger and would give the shirt off his back to anyone that needed it. Extremely kind hearted, he valued the relationships that he made throughout his life. He took pride in maintaining friendships and keeping track of most everyone that crossed his path. Jimmy Charles, Big Jim, J.C., Appleby and "Bear" were just a few of the names he would answer to in his "good ole boy" Texas drawl. To know him was to love him.
Jimmy was preceded in death by James Edward Appleby- father, Nyla Irene Gates- mother, Don Wayne Appleby- brother.
He is survived by Linda Appleby- Loving wife of 18 years; Aaron Appleby- daughter; Pam Appleby- First wife of 25 years; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other relatives and friends whom he loved dearly.
A Memorial Service will be on Friday, June 25 2:00PM at St Paul United Methodist Church, 852 W Bedford Euless Rd, Hurst TX 76053. For those interested after the service or who cannot attend the service, please join us at Abuelo's Restaurant in Hurst, TX to buy a drink and raise a toast to Jimmy or share your favorite story.
In lieu of flowers, we would ask that donations be made to Habitat for Humanity, American Cancer Foundation or St. Paul United Methodist Church Memorial/Endowment Fund.
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