James Earl Scribner, 78, of Denton, TX passed away on February 5 surrounded by his family. Jim was born on January 19, 1940 in Lubbock, Texas and was the son of Earl and Vera Scribner. He graduated from Gainesville High School in 1958 and then attended Wichita State University where he played on a football scholarship. He married his high school sweetheart Laura Ann Mercer in 1959.   After college graduation, he moved his family to Kingman Kansas where he taught school and coached HS football. In 1967 he brought his family back to Texas where he began his long and successful career in insurance. For 50+ years he served his customers throughout the north Texas area, many of whom became lifelong friends.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying many years of golf, hunting and fishing with his boys. He was also a sports enthusiast (lifelong Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers fan) and coached all of his sons throughout their youth, and continued to volunteer and coach youth football for many years thereafter. Many people still think of and refer to him as "coach". Jim was a very caring man, always willing to help someone in need no matter how big or small. For many years, he held a golf tournament to raise money in support of the Carpenter Place Children's Home in Wichita Kansas.

Nothing brought Jim more joy than spending time with his 8 grandchildren. From the day each of them were born, they were the focus of his time and attention. Whether it was weekend sleepovers at the Lake House, hunting, fishing, or watching them play sports of all kinds, they were a constant source of pride and joy. He rarely missed a game and was a 'regular' in the stands in Aubrey, Sanger and Jenks, OK. He was extremely proud of every one of them and 'Papa' will be greatly missed.

The family would like to give a heartfelt Thank You to April Woods for the countless hours of compassion and care she has given to both Jim and Laura over the past year. Her kindness and willingness to provide help of any kind has been appreciated more than words can say.

Jim and Laura were members of the Singing Oaks Church of Christ in Denton. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, his son David (Teisha) and children Paden, Wyatt and Emma, son Steven (Michelle) and children Cole, Collin and Kelsey, and son Kenny (Tanya) and children Paige and Jarrett.

Visitation will be held at Singing Oaks Church of Christ on Sunday February 11 from 3:00-4:00 with memorial service immediately following.

For those that may want to give a gift of love or remembrance in Jim's name, please consider a donation to the Carpenter Place | 1501 N Meridian | Wichita, Kansas 67203 | 316.942.3221 office@carpenterplace.org