James Arthur Sheets Sr., 89, passed away on Saturday July 8 in Dallas, TX. He was born on January 26, 1934 to John and Gertrude Sheets in Jefferson City, TN. James was preceded in death by his parents, brothers John Jr. and Thomas (Tom), and sisters Virginia Sheets Gwynn and Susan Clark. James grew up in East Tennessee with his two brothers and four sisters. He attended Nelson Merry School in Jefferson County where he played football and various other sports. After graduation, James served in the Army, spending time overseas in France and Germany where he served his country as a culinary specialist. After the military, James attended Tennessee State University in Nashville. It was in Nashville that he met Elaine Jackson who was enrolled at Fisk University. In 1961, James and Elaine were married in Terrell, TX. James began his career as a P.E. Teacher at Lincoln High School. Later, he attended Prairie View University where he earned a Master of Science Degree in Education and went on to become a school administrator serving as an Assistant Principal at several high schools including Justin F. Kimball, Business Magnet, and W.T. White. James retired from the Dallas Independent School District after 39 years of service. In that time, he inspired, coached, and motivated countless young men and women and left an imprint on their lives that is unmeasurable. During retirement, he continued doing this through part time jobs working at a local athletic stadium selling tickets and at Jostens where he assisted with high school graduations. James never met a stranger and always brought a spark and energy to every room and conversation where he was present. He enjoyed cooking for his family and friends and especially enjoyed having everyone at his house for Dallas Cowboys games. James was a loving husband, father, grandfather (Papa), brother and friend. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Elaine Jackson Sheets; daughter, Cheryl Sheets; sons, James Sheets Jr and Vincent Sheets; daughter-in-law, Allison Sheets; grandchildren, Olivia Sheets, Colin Sheets and Sofia Sheets, Sisters Mary Phipps, Gladys Clay and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will take place at All Saints Catholic Church in Dallas on Friday, August 11 at 10:30 a.m. Burial services will take place shortly afterwards at the DFW National Cemetery at 1:15 p.m.