James Edward Lacy

James Edward Lacy, 67, passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at his home in Fort Worth, TX after an extensive battle with cancer.

James was born October 8, 1955, in Big Spring, TX to Seth Graham Lacy and Gladys June (Howard) Lacy. He attended Big Spring schools until his sophomore year when he moved to Arlington, TX, graduating from Arlington High School in 1974. After High School he briefly attended the University of Texas at Arlington, leaving to pursue what would become a lifelong career in the construction industry. He was employed as a Superintendent by Hill & Wilkinson General Contractors for the last 26 years.

The construction industry gave James the opportunity to travel and be involved in various building projects all over the United States. During these travels he met Cathy Ann (Brooks) Chandler, whom he would later marry along with her two children, Kellie Chandler and Matthew Chandler, on January 16, 1990, in Pittsfield, MA, gaining what he would call an “instant family”. He, along with his wife and kids continued these adventures, often moving from state to state while making memories and a lot of friends along the way.

James and Cathy eventually settled in Fort Worth, TX. His happy place was his home and yard, where friends or family could drop by to find him working on something from his “to-do” list. He loved sitting around the fire pit with a drink, playing with his grandchildren on the golf cart and the zip line, or just relaxing outside grilling, listening to music, and laughing with family and friends. He also enjoyed being outdoors swimming, boating, camping, and working on and riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

James was incredibly smart and well-read, often quizzing his family and friends on random facts or suggesting a good book. As the jokester of the family, he was a big kid at heart and loved to have fun. He always had a silly joke or story to share and there was lots of laughter wherever he went. His knowledge of construction was huge, and he could build or fix just about anything. With a giant heart, he was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone he knew.

James was very family-oriented and loved his parents, his wife, his children and grandchildren, his brothers and sisters, his nieces and nephews, his cousins, and many others with all his heart. His friendly and outgoing personality also gained him a large circle of friends that he cared for greatly, including friendships that he had kept since his childhood.

He will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

James was preceded in death by his father, Seth Lacy of Big Spring, TX; mother, June Lacy of Grand Prairie, TX; brother, Charles Lacy of Carmine, TX; and father-in-law, Robert Brooks of St. Peters, MO.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Cathy Lacy of Fort Worth, TX; daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren, Kellie, Charlie, Hudson, and Emma Mooney of Pantego, TX; son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, Matthew and Sarah Chandler, Shanea Smith, and TJ Chandler of Saginaw, TX; sister-in-law, Cynthia Lacy of Carmine, TX; sister, Joyce Lacy Spencer of Fort Worth, TX; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Pamela Lacy of Arlington, TX; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Barbara and Earl Lewis of St. Peters, MO; and mother-in-law, Rosemary Brooks of St. Peters, MO; along with countless other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to share a funny joke or story with those around you and honor his playful legacy with laughter. If you wish to make a monetary donation in his name, please do so to the ASPCA or a local animal shelter of your choice.