James Leonard Thiers of Llano died

James Leonard Thiers was born in Junction, Texas, to Thelma Kathryn Walton Thiers and Alfred Matt Thiers on Dec. 8, 1933. He moved to Llano as a small child and attended school there. He was a graduate of 1950 Llano High School.

James attended Texas A&M University, where he played in the military marching band. In 1956, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving for two years. After returning to Llano, he was the music and youth director at First Baptist Church in the early 1960s.

James started working for Moore State Bank in January 1961 and remained with them through the First Llano Bank era into the present Arrowhead Bank for a total of 48 years.  He was active in many community organizations.

He was president of the Llano School Board for two terms. He treasured announcing many Llano football games.

He was the president of the Llano Chamber of Commerce. He was also president of the Llano Jaycees. He was also a huge supporter of the Junior Livestock Show, and when it came to rodeo time, he was the junior rodeo clown. One particular time, a mishap became a great trick. Now that’s a story everybody should hear.

James was an outdoorsman deluxe. He was a rancher, an avid gardner who took great pride in his yard (especially his yellow roses), he loved to fish, hunt and play golf.

James was preceded in death by his parents and sister Dora Bette.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Glenda Heyen Thiers; two daughters, Kathy Thiers Crafton and husband David and Karla Thiers Justis and Rick Frank; his three grandchildren, Jennifer Blackmon and husband Jesse, Pamela Crafton and fiance Jared Gowan and Carter Crafton; his three great-grandchildren, Adrian Cole, Madisyn Denise and James Daniel Blackmon.

JAMES THIERS, better knows as POPPY, the man who was always young at heart was the greatest man ever and he loved you all.

A graveside service is 2 p.m. April 30 at Board Branch Cemetery in Lone Grove with the Rev. Rick Cundieff officiating.

Arrangements by Waldrope-Hatfield-Hawthorne, 307 E. Sandstone in Llano, (325) 247-4300. Email whhfuneral1@verizon.net with condolences.