James Daniel "Jimmy Dan" Bourland

On April 9, 2021, Jimmy Dan Bourland, beloved husband, father, and PawPaw went to rest in the arms of his Lord Jesus Christ. Born on October 18, 1934 to James Henry and Edna Bourland, Jimmy Dan and his brother and two sisters grew up in Abilene, Texas. Early on and continuing throughout his life, Jimmy Dan found great athletic success in both football and baseball at Abilene High School in the school’s early glory days, where he played for renowned coaches P.E. Shotwell and Blackie Blackburn. Upon graduation, he continued to play football for Abilene Christian College. He had a lifelong love of football and, combined with his unique ability to remember every single detail of every play of every game he ever played or saw, he could regale any passing listener with detailed accounts of games from years gone by.

His love for football was far surpassed by the love of his life, Johnnie Wayne (Williams) Bourland. First meeting in fourth grade, Jimmy Dan pursued and married this Abilene High School Homecoming Queen on March 19, 1955. He gave up his pursuit of football glory, and even turned down an opportunity from the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team, preferring to marry Johnnie and start a family. They remained married over 66 years, and the Lord showed His great humor by blessing this star athlete with three daughters, Danette, Rhonda and Becky.

Jimmy Dan raised his young family in Abilene, while owning and managing Bourland Service and Gulf Distributorship and multiple service stations in the area. Always a compassionate businessman, he never failed to help those who were short on funds or down on their luck. While there, he served his country and community through the U.S. National Guard, was elected to the Abilene ISD School Board, was recognized as the 1980 “Friend of Education” by the faculty & teachers within the district and served as an elder at Palm Street Church of Christ and Northwest Church of Christ.

Upon retirement, Jimmy Dan & Johnnie followed their eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren around Texas, faithfully attending most games, concerts and performances. He was always supportive and encouraging them - win or lose - to demonstrate “Senior Leadership” in all their endeavors.  They later moved to Waco to be closer to their grandchildren, working in semi-retirement keeping the Riverside community immaculate, while also becoming the surrogate PawPaw to the neighborhood children at Riverside and church.

“I know who is in charge” was one of his favorite mantras and demonstrates his faithful servant’s heart.  Jimmy Dan had a tender heart for babies, children and others, and was always wanting to feed the world. Anyone who had the pleasure of his sour dough biscuits has known the earthly joy of this manna from Heaven. Living modestly, but rich in works, Jimmy Dan always gave his last dime to others in need.

JD is proceeded by parents, JH & Edna Bourland; brother, David Bourland; parents-in-law, John & Juanita Williams. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Johnnie; daughters, Danette McIntyre & Don, Rhonda & Kevin Pickrell, and Becky & Steve Sorrells; eight grandchildren, Amanda Swalley, Mark McIntyre, Laura Pickrell, Molly Sanders, Trent Pickrell, Jack Sorrells, Emily Sorrells and Allie Sorrells; seven great grandchildren, Slade, Addie, Lincoln, Luke, Caroline, Charlie, and Laine, with Clark one on the way; sisters, Sandra Wilson, Gaye Peake; sister in Law, Doan Bourland; and many nieces & nephews who he loved as his own.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. and will be held at Crestview Church of Christ, 7129 Delhi Road, Monday, April 12, 2021 with Celebration of Life to follow at 11:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Jimmy Dan Bourland #26 Abilene High School Scholarship fund. For information contact mollysanders626@gmail.com

Registry for Jimmy Dan Bourland