Bonham, Texas -- A graveside service celebrating the life of James Sterling Denton, Jr. who passed away in Red River Regional Hospital on Wednesday, November 11, 2009, will be held Saturday, November 14, 2009 at Willow Wild Cemetery in Bonham, Texas at 11:00 AM.  Visitation will be held at Wise Funeral Home on Friday night, November 13 from 5:00 – 7:00 PM. 

James was born June 7, 1921 to Sterling and Amy Mitchell Denton.  He was raised in Telephone and graduated from Bonham High School.  James was a WWII Navy veteran where he served as a torpedo bomber pilot on an aircraft carrier.  Upon graduation from Texas Tech University, James became Parker County Agent in Weatherford, Texas, and later, after obtaining his Masters Degree from Texas A&M University, he worked as Agriculture Economic Specialist with the A&M Extension Service until his retirement in 1981. 

James is survived by his wife of 58 years, Joyce Blassingame Denton; his son, Sterling Denton and his wife, Kim of Murphy; his daughter Cindy Permenter and her husband, John of Ovilla; his sister, Sarah Nowlin of Bonham; grandsons, Grant Permenter of Ovilla, Dakota Denton and Destin Denton of Murphy; granddaughters, Heather Permenter of Cedar Hill, Brianna Moore and her husband, Matthew of Longview and Danae Denton of Austin; many nieces and nephews and many close friends. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in James’ honor to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice. 

James was a faithful member of Covenant Church Texoma.  His pastor, James DeMelo, will officiate the celebration at the graveside. 

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of Red River Regional Hospital in Bonham for their care and support of James and his family. 

James was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend.  He was a very gentle man and will be greatly missed.  We look forward to seeing him again. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Wise Funeral Home.  Online guest register www.wisefuneralhome.com