James Melton Archer

James Melton Archer, born August 15,1940 in Corsicana, Texas, passed from this life on January 1, 2025. 

James was preceded in death by his parents, James Bates and Charlesetta Archer, Father and Mother-in-Law, Clyde Hibbs, Sr. and Stella, Brother-in-Law, Clyde Hibbs, Jr. and niece, Shannon Hibbs, Grandson, Cody Archer, Daughter-in-Law, Teresa Archer, Granddaughter-in-Law, Crystal Archer. James is survived by his wife Dorothy Jo Archer, Son James Darren Archer and fiance Donna, Daughter Lisa Sandifer and Son-in-law Mike, Brother Joe Archer and wife Margaret, Sister-in-law Brenda Hibbs. Grandchildren: James Brandon Archer and Randi, Will Sandifer and wife Katie, and Kaci Carter and husband Tanner. Great Grandchildren: Ashley Fritsche and husband Blake, Kylie Rieger, Caden Huckabay, James Cohen Archer, Major and Mason Newcomer, Jaxie Jo and Lake Carter. Great Great Grandson: Case Fritsche. Nieces Tracy McDaniel, Elizabeth Anstey, Allison Troupe and their families. 

Being the son of an Army Master Sargent, as a child James traveled with his family and lived in several parts of the World, including the U.S., Europe and Germany. In 1952 his family moved to Manor, Texas and for the last 3 months of his 7th grade year, James enrolled in Manor Schools. He attended Manor High School from 1955 through his graduation in 1958. James lettered in Football and Basketball, served as Student Council President, as well as President and Vice President of the local chapter of the Future Farmers of America. 

On June 2nd, 1958, James married the one and only love of his lifetime, Dorothy Jo Hibbs. Their beautiful and rare love story lasted 66 years, 6 months and 1 day... and in reality, it will last forever. James and Dorothy had a special kind of love that endured through both good and tough times. Through those tumultuous times, it was their complete and unwavering devotion to one another and their total faith in God's grace that brought them through and propelled them forward. Early in their marriage, James joined the Army Reserve where he was sworn in by his father, Master Sargent James Bates Archer and 1 month after high school graduation he left for basic training in Fort Smith, Arkansas. From there, he was transferred to the 84th Artillery Battalion and was on active duty in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. After 10 years of service, James received an honorable discharge from duty. He was always PROUD of his father's service and PROUD to have served his Country himself. 

James began his career in the Property Tax field in 1964. He attended Nixon Clay Business College where his focus was on property taxation and auditing. James also received numerous certificates in continuing education courses through The University of Texas System. He attained his registered Professional Appraiser Designation from the Texas Board of Tax Examiners. He received the Good Neighbor Award from the Texas Property Tax Professionals. He was a Past Member of the Texas Association of Assessing Officers. He was a charter member and served as President, Past President and Vice President of The Association of Appraisal Districts. He was a member of the Texas Rural Chief Appraisers He was a charter member and served on the Original Board of Directors for the Texas Property Tax Professionals. Received the first ever Earl Luna Award, (following Mr. Luna himself), by the Texas Association of Appraisal Districts. This award honored the member who had over a period of years, made a significant contribution to TAAD through participation in its activities and who has made an outstanding contribution to the realization of the mission of the TAAD. James retired from the State of Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts after 16 years of service in July of 2005. He served another year after his retirement as Chief Appraiser for the Lee County Appraisal District before he actually allowed himself to retire completely. 

James and Dorothy had their first child; James Darren Archer in November of 1959 and their second child, Lisa Renee (Sandifer) in October of 1961. As a young father, James coached Little League, Pony League and Pop Warner Football. And Dorothy coached the Pop Warner Cheerleaders. As their kids grew into their Junior High and High School years, James & Dorothy became involved in the Athletic Booster Club activities and events and according to Lisa, they only missed 1 of their athletic events... and Lisa said it just so happened to be the ONE BASKETBALL GAME that she was called up to play on Varsity as a Freshmen, went in the game in the last minutes and scored the tying and the winning baskets! FIGURES! 

James served on the Manor ISD Board of Directors from 1973 to 1983. He was also a long-time member of the Manor Lions Club. He and Dorothy were very committed to their community and schools. James and Dorothy were long time members of the Elgin Church of Christ. James served as a Deacon there for many years. Being a part of the Elgin Church of Christ Family brought countless years of joy to both James and Dorothy. Their church family will forever hold a special place in their hearts.

A memorial service in honor of James will be held on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 2:00 pm in Elgin at Providence Jones Funeral Home. Elgin Church of Christ Preacher, Jason Wilder presiding. A private family interment will follow. 

Dorothy and the entire Archer family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the countless family and friends who have loved and supported them through this challenging time. We ask that you celebrate with us knowing that James has now received the ultimate reward in Heaven. 

The family would like to ask that in lieu of flowers you consider at donation to the Elgin Church of Christ (elgincoc.net) and/or the Lifeline Chaplaincy Organization (lifelinechaplaincy.org), both of which were very dear to James. May God bless you all.