James Earl Herrin, Jr.

James Earl Herrin, Jr., age 63, of Waco, passed away Monday, February 18, 2008 at Providence Health Center. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Aderhold Funeral Home in West, with Rev. Ed Karasek officiating. Military graveside rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery near West conducted by VFW Post 4819. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Mr. Herrin was born on November 17, 1944 in Ft. Worth, the son of James Earl Herrin, Sr. and Jeanette (Williamson) Herrin. He graduated from Kilgore High School in 1963. He served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. On August 19, 1970, he was united in marriage to Shirley Sutton in Waco. She preceded him in death on May 7, 1994. James was currently working for Owen-Illinois Glass Plant in Waco, where he had been employed for over 30 years as a fork lift operator. James loved the outdoors, especially water skiing on Lake Cherokee and taking care of his horses. He also enjoyed football and watching Nascar. James served as president of the Glass Awareness Committee, was very active with the MDA, and was very involved with Jerry's Kids and Special Olympics. His parents and an infant brother also precede him in death. Survivors include two stepsons, Donald Gerik, Jr. and fianc Vacion Boarman and Michael J. Gerik and wife Melissa, all of West; one stepdaughter, Kathy Rejcek and husband Albert of West; six stepgrandchildren, Michael P. Gerik, Megan Gerik, Amanda Rejcek, Eric Rejcek, Zachary Gerik, and Caleb Gerik; three stepgreat-grandchildren, Jonathan Gerik, Avery Gerik, and Zoie Gerik; a special cousin Sarah Harrison and husband Richard; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Pallbearers will be Michael Paul Gerik, Eric Rejcek, Chip Sutton, Rock Wilkinson, Matt McKinney, and Sam Sutton. Memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.