Jimmy D. Royal

Jimmy Darrial Royal, 79, of Plano, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Faith Presbyterian Hospice in Dallas, Texas.

Jim was born on June 3, 1944, in Hollis, Oklahoma to Alice Dyess and Darrial Royal. He graduated from Tehachapi High School in Tehachapi, California in 1962, and proudly served his country in the US Air Force from 1962 to 1966. Upon returning from the service, Jim operated a café for a few years with his mother in Lubbock, Texas.

In 1971, Jim married Francis Kudlac, with whom he had a son and daughter. Together, they built a life in Shawnee, Oklahoma, where they resided for over 50 years. Jim initially worked as a gyro mechanic at Tinker Air Force Base before starting his own business, Royal Upholstery which was known for quality for over 10 years. Subsequently, he returned to Tinker AFB, dedicating another 20 years in multiple jobs with his last one his favorite, carpenter.  During this time, Jim was involved in raising his children, active in church, led his son’s Cub Scout pack, engaged in YMCA activities including earning a Tae Kwon Do black belt, gardening, and even survived a tornado – though the house did not.

Upon retirement, he pursued hobbies including travel, raising chickens and fitness.  After only a year of retirement, he started working the Front Desk at Saint Gregory’s Mabee Aerobics Center.  He enjoyed his time at Saint Gregory’s and eventually began teaching weight lifting class.  What was intended as a short “retirement” part-time job, lasted ten years at which he made many friends.  After several years of helping his wife through some health issues, Jim and Francis moved to Texas to be closer to their children and grandchildren where he once again enjoyed gardening and exercising.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Francis (Kudlac) Royal; their son, Clayton Royal, and daughter, Patricia Evans. Clayton is married to Pamela with two sons, Oliver and Miles. Patricia is married to Steven with one son, Andrew.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Dyess Storie, and stepfather, Howard Storie.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, April 22, 2024, at the Walker Funeral Service Chapel, 201 E 45th St, Shawnee, Oklahoma. Interment will be at the Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery for Veterans in Dallas, Texas.