James Michael Lail

James Michael “Jim” Lail was born on May 21, 1944, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Jim and Gwen Lail. He was their fifth child and third son. After his birth, his family moved to Jacksboro, TX, to the house on College Street where he grew up. His dad was a driller and introduced Jim to the “oil patch.” As a mid-to-late teenager his ventures included delivering newspapers on a bike, bailing hay, capturing rattlesnakes in hot Texas summers, being a gopher for roughnecks, and even a stint at raising rabbits.

Jim’s Sundays were spent ever so faithfully, if not so willingly, at the First Baptist Church. He was the kid whose marble collection spilled and rolled on the wooden floor during the offertory through the choir song and most of the sermon, one marble at a time. He was the fourth Lail child to go Jacksboro schools, and the first to go through all twelve years. The neighborhood pals turned into classmates and lifelong buddies. One of Jim’s strongest traits was his ability to be a friend.

Jim graduated from Texas Tech. His junior year, he was invited to detour by way of Vietnam serving in the army for two years - a long way from Texas. After finishing his Bachelor of Business Administration degree, Jim moved to Dallas and remained a big Texas Tech sports fan supporting them regardless of any game’s outcome. After a few years in the corporate world, he began and then ran his own computer business for many years.

Jim met and married the most incredible woman he had ever known, his Max. He knew she was the one who could help hold his world together. He never failed to voice how proud he was of her. His love, affection, and deep respect for Max grew over the years especially true during his illness. As a couple their compassion for people in tough times, concern for children needing a “hand up,” and calling to help “mend up the ravaged fabric of the world” was a constant.

Jim’s handiwork can be seen all around their home. He delighted in being able to do the restoration work. How Max could handle his tedious, long-term projects could ofttimes amaze. Her belief in him, though sometimes taxed, endured. If Jim were going to do it, he would do it on his time and on his terms. The big box stores saw him daily. Max and Jim have always been extravagantly hospitable in opening their home to family and friends. The Lail/Lazovick hotel was a destination for holidays, vacations, and a needed respite if life was challenging for family or friends.

Jim was gentle, considerate, and occasionally strong-willed (aka stubborn). He was a great storyteller and a voracious reader and watcher of westerns. He was very protective of his loved ones including five dogs and a cat. He was a good son, a good brother, and a great uncle. He loved children and they were always drawn to his sweet smile and playful spirit.

So many of the people who loved Jim came to visit in recent days because each, young and old, wanted to have one more time with him. He was gracious to all to the end. For years to come, all of us will wish we had one more time with Jim. We already do.

Jim is survived by Max Lazovick, his wife of thirty-nine years this up-coming “day after Thanksgiving.” He never thought it necessary to recall the specific date because they married the day after Thanksgiving in 1982. Henceforth, the anniversary was that Friday rather than a revolving date set by the calendar. He is also survived by his sister, Ruth Glaze and husband Henry of Polkville, MS. He leaves sixteen nieces and nephews, nine great nieces and nephews, and seventeen great-great nieces and nephews.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, Jim and Gwen Lail of Jacksboro, TX, and Clinton, MS, his sister Patsy Mae and her husband R.L., Abilene, TX, a brother who died shortly after birth, sister Norma Jean Bradley, Santa Rosa, CA, and brother Bob, Los Angeles, CA.

A gathering to celebrate his life will take place at Jim and Max’s home at noon on Saturday, November 20. A brief military ceremony will be held Monday, November 22, at the DFW National Veterans Cemetery.