Rowlett, TX – James Franklin (Jim) Guffey, Sr. passed away peacefully with his grown children by his side on September 2, 2024. While he was a Lung Cancer Survivor, endured two back surgeries, had a pacemaker for his heart, and rarely complained, ultimately his Myasthenia Gravis condition overcame him. He was a longtime resident of Harlingen, Texas. He was born in San Antonio, TX on May 11, 1941. Predeceased by his wife, Alba Jo (Karcher) Guffey, 2019. Jim is survived by his children, James F. (Jimbo) Guffey, Jr., Janna Talmon and Joyce Butler; his grandchildren, Jillian Boyd, Jordan Price, Jaycie Preston, Phillip Preston; and his great-grandchildren, Elijah and Willow Hagemann and Jude Munoz. Jim grew up in Rio Grande City where his father was the Chief of the Volunteer Fire Department, and his mother was active in the community and church activities. Together they owned Speedy Burger, a quick serve restaurant in the city. Jim had 5 siblings. He met his wife, Alba Jo, during a brief stint in college at Texas A&I University. Jim worked for Borden Milk & Ice Cream in the Rio Grande Valley for 39 years, retiring in 2005. In his retirement, he continued to work part time as a delivery driver and various other odd jobs. Jim was an excellent BBQ cook. He would often do BBQs for large groups of people through his work associations and family reunions and such. Jim was also an avid fisherman. He greatly enjoyed spending time at his fishing camp in Arroyo City, TX. Jim, along with his wife, lovingly raised 3 children, Jimbo, Janna and Joyce. Jim passed on his work ethic, his appreciation for the simple things in life, and his interest in watching favorite sports teams. Jim was a good-natured sort, a kind soul and compassionate man. He befriended all kinds of people throughout his life. He was not a man of many words, but he had a way about him that acknowledging the “special” in people he engaged with. In his later years he was always appreciative, always cheerful and mostly forgiving. A Celebration of his life will be held at Jim’s long-time home in 2905 Bay Hill Court Harlingen, Texas on September 28, 2024, in the form of an open-house from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM with a Toast to Dad at “Beer:30” (5:00 PM). In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to a charity of your choice. Some family suggestions would be The Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America or The Down Syndrome Guild of Dallas as Jim’s grandson, Elijah, has benefited from many of the opportunities offered through this Program. There is also the Arroyo City Volunteer Fire Department.