James Lyle Kenton (Jim), age 84, died peacefully at home with his family on Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 10, at Riley Funeral Home in Hamilton, at 11 a.m., with viewing at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in the IOOF Cemetery. Keith Maloney of Argyle will officiate.
Jim was born on July 6, 1941, in Houston, to parents Phil and Phylis Kenton. Jim’s dad, Phil, was in the Navy in the early years of Jim’s life. When Jim was about 5 or 6, they moved to San Antonio, where he grew up. He attended Robert E Lee High School in San Antonio and then attended Tarleton State. It was at Tarleton that Sheron Self caught his eye and they started dating. On June 14, 1963, he married Sheron Self and 3 days later they moved to San Antonio, where Jim worked a few years for a cabinetry company and then moved to EcoLab as a salesman. He was promoted several times through the years and ended his 30+ year career as a National Sales Director. Through the years, Jim and Sheron moved the family from San Antonio to Memphis, Tennessee; Richardson; Placentia, California; and Plano, before finally retiring to Hamilton.
As a child, Jim would go spend a few weeks during the summer with his aunt and uncle, Vern and Peggy Perryman, on two different ranches in Coryell County. It was during these summers that Jim developed a love for ranching, working cattle, horses, and land management. In the mid-90’s, Jim and Sheron purchased land in Hamilton County from Sheron’s uncle, and they started building a retirement dream of living on the ranch and getting to do the things his uncle taught him many years earlier. Jim was actively involved with the Wildlife Association and the Cross Timbers Prescribed Burn Association for many years, even serving as president of the CTP Burn Association.
Jim and Sheron were happily married for nearly 58 years.
Jim’s love for his family was apparent to all who knew him. He was so proud of each of his kids, grandkids, and his great-grandchildren. It was evident by the way Jim lived that his relationships with colleagues, friends, and family were of the utmost importance. You didn’t have to be in conversation with him for very long before hearing a story or memory of a co-worker, one of his children or grandchildren. You might even see a picture or two, especially of the great-grandkids. He truly loved people!
He is preceded in death by his wife, Sheron, and his parents, Phil and Phylis Kenton, and brother Gene.
Jim is survived by his and Sheron’s three children: Kelly and Jose Chacon, Kelene and Mike Curry, and Phil Kenton; eight grandchildren: McKenzie and Connor Newman, Brody Curry, Caitlin Kenton, Elisa and Jake King, Caleb Chacon, Regan Kenton, Isabella Kenton, and Carly Jo Wright; and two great-grandchildren, Nora and Hayes Newman.
Also survived by his brother-in-law, Bob and Donna Self and brother-inlaw, David Self and Linda Miller; and nieces, nephews and many cousins.
The family would like to thank all family and friends for their love and support for our dad. In memory of Dad, please skip your Sunday best and come dressed in your jeans and boots. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to one of his favorite charities: Focus on the Family, St Jude, Wounded Warrior, or Tunnels for Towers.
