James Madison McCord, 77 of Hallettsville, was called by God to his eternal home on February 26, 2025.  He was born to Ellsworth James McCord and Nellia Rae Byars McCord on April 30, 1947, in Yoakum, Texas. His parents, younger sister Georgie Virginia McCord, and older brother James "Jim" Edward McCord preceded him in death.

James was a private man who loved nature and being around animals.  While he was not as socially active in his later years, you must speak with many different people to get the picture of his whole life story.  In his early years, he was always working on some project or another and was usually surrounded by friends or family as he went about his work.  He met his future wife Henri Mae Jones McCord at a local Dairy Treet in Yoakum Texas, and a year after their first date they were married.  James went on to build a life and legacy of ambitious standards on the family ranch caring for the cattle and wildlife while still finding time for his many side projects.

James is survived by:  his wife Henri Mae Jones McCord; son Kyle McCord of Lavaca County; his brother Michael Ray McCord of Houston; and his sisters, Patricia Bennetsen of San Antonio, Yvette Holbert of Austin, Celine McCord of Austin and Frances McCord of Uvalde.

Funeral Service: 10 am, Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the First Baptist Church of Hallettsville. Visitation starting at 5 pm Friday at Kubena Funeral Home. Pallbearers: August Smirak, Kenneth Hermes, Stanley Brown, Stephen Tobola, Thomas "Smokey" Grubert and Dr. Wesley McAda. Honorary Pallbearers: Gary Shows, Ed Evans and John Evans. Officiants: Rev. Hollis Hoffman and Pastor Nicholas Ferguson. Memorials: Donor's Choice. Burial: Salem Cemetery, Ezzell Texas.