James Alton Pierce

July 21, 1935 - April 26, 2022

James Alton Pierce, born on July 21, 1935, in Monroe, Texas passed away April 26, 2022 in Tyler Texas. Jim moved to Levelland Texas in 2nd grade. Later graduating from Levelland High School where he was a member of their basketball team, a team that went to the state finals in 1951. Jim then attended Texas Tech-Howard County Junior College on a basketball scholarship. Later transferring to attend Odessa College. Before his senior year, he volunteered for the draft and was drafted into the Navy. After his service in the Navy, Jim returned to Levelland to assist his mother in her blacksmith and welding shop. He then worked for Sargent Engineering Corporation in Sundown, Texas. Following a family tradition of law enforcement, Jim went to work in 1958 for the Texas Liquor Control Board for 5 years. He then joined the Dallas Police Department and retired in 1990 as the Community Relations Officer for the Northwest Division. Two of his grandchildren were honored to be pinned as police officers by their Papaw, following in his footsteps. Jim married Jean (Opal Imogene) Brown in 1960. Married 57 years and raising four boys until her passing in 2017. Jim was also preceded in death by his mother Ava Marie Pierce, father Joseph Marvin Pierce and sister Ola Mae Schafer. In July 2018 Jim married Berta Burgess Pierce. They enjoyed faith, family, friends, and traveling until his passing. Jim is survived by wife, Berta; Brother, Robert Pierce/wife Joyce; Sons, Darr Dwight Pierce/wife Pam, Randy Lee Pierce, Troy Dee Pierce, Barry Jayson Pierce/wife Shari, Jaret Burgess, Jason Burgess/wife Katie; Grandchildren, John Wadle/wife Trista, Cammarie Scallorn/wife Michelle, Casie-Lin Pierce, Shelly Pierce/Victor Guerra, Brandon Pierce, Jackson Pierce, Ryan Pierce/wife Kayla, Raigan Jones/husband Conner, Brooklyn Grace Burgess and Clayton Burgess; and Great Grandchildren, Zane Guerra and Brasen Guerra. A celebration of life will be at New Harmony Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas at 11:00 a.m. on May 13, 2022. In lieu of flowers, please donate to New Harmony building fund.