James Ferguson

James Philip Ferguson "J. Phil" passed away peacefully on September 5, 2015 at his home in Mesquite, TX.He was born September 14, 1933 in Overton, TX. to Walter and Mary Ferguson. Graduated from Winnsboro High School in 1951.North Texas State University class of 1954.Member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity.Served honorably in the United States Navy aboard the USS Boxer CVS-21 from 1955-1957.Served as a teacher in both Rylie ISD and Dallas ISD until his retirement in 1986.During his tenure as a teacher, he produced and directed numerous school plays, musicals and choir productions.His hobbies included cooking, gardening and crafts.His passions included playing the organ and piano in his free time and for church.He also loved going to musicals, operas and theatrical productions. He is preceded in death by his father, Walter Ferguson, mother, Mary Hale Ferguson; brother, Andy Ferguson. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, LaWanda "Lu" Culp Ferguson; sons, Rad Ferguson & wife, Valerie of Mesquite, Kevan Ferguson & wife, Cara of Mesquite; daughter, Molly Green & husband, John of Mesquite; grandchildren, James, Erin, Hayden, Connor, Katie, Anna and Mary; sisters-in-law, Pat Ferguson of Tyler, Beletta Grant of Dallas, Dottie Corder & husband, George of Rockwall; brother-in-law, Hubert "Bo" Culp & wife, Linda of Alba. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Pallbearers will be Rad Ferguson, Kevan Ferguson, John Green, James Ferguson, Hubert "Bo" Culp and David Fitzgerald. Visitation is scheduled from Friday September 11, 2015 from 6PM - 8PM at New Hope Funeral Home in Sunnyvale, TX. Funeral will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at 10AM at New Hope Funeral Home. If desired, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.