James Russell Spurlock

James Russell Spurlock, 84 of Stratford, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, November 28, 2025, at First Methodist Church with Pastor Robert Burke officiating. A family graveside service will be held in the Stratford Cemetery at 1 o’clock under the direction of Beeson ~ Morrison Funeral Directors. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 27, from 1:30-3pm at the funeral home – 519 N. 3rd, Stratford, TX.

James was born on March 1, 1941, in Stratford, TX to Travis and Lorene (Folsom) Spurlock. He attended school in Stratford and then earned an Ag Science degree from WTSU. He was a lifelong member of the Spurlock Community Church/First Methodist Church of Stratford.

In 1963, he married Linda Riffe – the love of his life. They were blessed with three wonderful children – Barton, Brent and Mary Beth. This past September, they celebrated 62 years of marriage.

In the early years, James worked for Stratford Grain Company, before he transitioned into his true passion for farming. His motto became “The most important thing you can put on your crops is your shadow” – which he did very well. In his career, he was honored with Sherman County Farmer of the Year as well as Amarillo Area Farmer of the Year.

He also served his community and beyond on various boards and committees including the XIT Rural Telephone Board, First State Bank Board, and served as the president of the Texas State Trapshooters Association.

His favorite hobbies were trapshooting, golfing, classic cars and building anything he needed, most notably his own home. When he was 13 years old, he built a Model A with a great frame but no floorboard or brakes. This was the beginning of a lifetime love of cars.

He was also instrumental in building the Stratford Gun Club and went on to be a two time All American Trapshooter winning numerous state and national titles. He was inducted into the Texas Trapshooting Hall of Fame in 1994. In 1995, he led the nation in doubles with an average of 99.08.

He worked hard, played hard and was an avid storyteller. In doing so, he never met a stranger, and he made lasting friendships all across the country.

Above all, there was no question that he loved and cared for his family.

James was preceded in death by his parents and his son: Barton Russell.

James is survived by his wife Linda, of the home; son: Brent Spurlock and wife Laurie of Stratford, TX; daughter: Mary Beth Tallant and husband Paul of Union Valley, TX; grandchildren: Mary Ann Spurlock, Russell Spurlock and wife Madison, Reid Tallant and Makenna Fleck and husband Dennis and great grandchild Finn; sisters: Elaine Jordan of Amarillo, TX and Jean Spurlock of Ruidoso, NM, along with numerous other extended family members.

The family suggest, with gratitude, that memorials be made to The Imagination Station, Box 1126 in Stratford or to the First Methodist Church, Box 1289 in Stratford.