James Earl moved his family to Hico in 1963 when he went to work for the Katy Railroad. Years later he went to work for H. B. Zachary Construction Company in the Power Division, constructing power plants across the United States. He retired from that company as a Superintendent after 29 years.

James Earl loved to vacation in the mountains of Colorado and made many trips there with his family throughout the years. He was passionate about sports, to say the least. He was a big fan of the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers and Texas Tech University. He attended as many high school athletic events as he could in the surrounding communities wherever he lived. He was a member of the Hico Booster Club when his children were in school and the Yorktown Booster Club when his family moved there. He played fast pitch softball, out-siders basketball, and competed in a bowling league for many years. Most of all, he loved his family. He enjoyed family reunions, all family gatherings, and family trips. There was always a lot of laughter and love at those gatherings and he could definitely put a smile on your face. He will be greatly missed by his family and everyone who knew him.

James Earl was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and sister-in-law, William and Maggie Autrey, brother, Emmett Autrey, sister, Golda Evers, and his daughter and son-in-law, Vicki and David Stehling.

He is survived by his wife, Neva Autrey; his daughters, Deborah McGavock and husband Warren, Kim Blaschke and husband Michael; his son Jay Autrey and wife Chris; brother and sister-in-law, Ronney and Lindabeth Autrey, sister and brother-inlaw, Linda and Bill Martin, sister-in-law, Dean Autrey; brother-in-law, Ed Evers. James is also survived by grandchildren: Mandy Stehling and husband Steven Warzecha; Brad McGavock; Blaine McGavock and wife, Kayla; Amy and Carol Stehling; Brandon Blaschke and wife Maegan; Jennifer Blaschke Arevalo and husband Sam, Andrew Autrey and wife Laura, Kymber Blaschke Bell and husband Cliff, Ryan Autrey and wife, Mary; Daniel Autrey; Taylor Autrey and Alyssa Maldonado; 13 great grandchildren, Jaxon McGavock, Parker Mc-Gavock, Avery McGavock, Audrey McGavock, Mylah Blaschke, Grayslin Blaschke, Emmry Blaschke, Braygen Blaschke, Leonardo Arevalo, Sullivan Arevalo, Adalynn Autrey, Lathander Autrey, and baby Bell on the way.