JImmy "Big Jim" Darrell Ivy, Sr.

Jimmy Darrell Ivy, Sr., 76 years old, born December 3, 1940, passed away on August 24, 2017 after a lengthy illness. Mr. Ivy was known affectionately by all of his family and friends as “Big Jim”. Jim is was a resident of Gilmer, Texas and is survived by his sweetheart and wife of 57 years, Nancy Davidson Ivy, four children, Jimmy Darrel Ivy, Jr., Laurie Kay Ivy, Gina Ivy Mitchell and spouse Todd Mitchell, Jamie Ivy-Launius and spouse Chuck Launius; 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his mother and father, Oren Clyde and Addie Mae Ivy; two brothers, Clyde Duane Ivy and Billy Ray Carson and a sister Dorothy Lane Ivy Martin.

Jim grew up in Amarillo, Texas and served in the U. S. Army from 1957-1958. He married Miss Nancy on November 14, 1959 and migrated to the East Texas area. He was a Longview Firefighter for eight years and a general contractor for 30 years. He was an avid reader, history buff and lover of old westerns.

Big Jim was a musician, songwriter and entertainer. Starting his musical journey 61 years ago at the age of 15, he honed his talents and began performing all over the Ark-La-Tex with other local musicians. Together with his wife Nancy, they built a musical legacy called the “Gladewater Opry” , and as a result have made many close friends and acquaintances.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, August 28, 2017, at The Church at West Mountain in Gilmer, Texas. Everyone is invited to attend. There will be no visitation/viewing or graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the National Hospice or the American Heart Association.