Roll Call Tribute

James Fuston McCarty 

December 15, 1929 - April 16, 2024 

James Fuston McCarty was born in Lubbock, TX on December 15, 1929, to Ruth (Harden) and Alfred Delma McCarty. Fuston was raised on a farm near Muleshoe, TX. He was active in FFA and high school sports. He entered in The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas in the fall of 1947. As a freshman, he walked on to the track team and ran varsity track for three years. He competed in the 1951 Southwest Conference Track and Field Championship, placing 3rd in the 2-mile relay. He graduated in 1951 with a BS in Agriculture. Everyone who knew Fuston was aware of his Fightin' Texas Aggie Spirit.

Fuston married the love of his life, Billie Ruth Little of Littlefield, TX, on June 8, 1951. They were happily married for 69 years until Billie’s passing in October of 2020. He received his commission in the United States Air Force Reserve in January 1952. He was called to active duty in April 1952 and served two years at Perrin AFB, TX. Fuston remained active in the Air Force Reserve for 37 years, retiring as a Lt. Colonel.

Fuston’s business career started with Ortho Chemical Company and ended after 49 years of banking in Lubbock, Sweetwater, Georgetown, and Arlington. He retired from Plains Capital Bank in Lubbock in December of 2000. Fuston loved his banking career, making many dear friends along the way. He was active in many banking associations, including the SMU Graduate School of Banking. He was in the Southwest Lubbock Rotary Club where he was a Paul Harris Fellow, maintaining 22 years of perfect attendance! He volunteered for the Southwest Plains Food Bank and Lubbock Meals on Wheels for many years. He was a Yellow House Masonic Lodge member for over 50 years. He was also a member of the Lubbock Scottish Rite and Khiva Shrine Temple. Fuston was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church of Lubbock for more than 62 years. He was a member of the Rafter Sunday School class for over 40 years and later joined the HI Robinson Sunday School class.

Fuston loved to golf, fish, and boat on Possum Kingdom Lake and spend time with his family.

He was predeceased by his wife Billie Ruth, parents, brother 1st Lt. Weldon McCarty, and son Kenny McCarty.

Survivors include his daughter Jamie Thomason, grandson Lance (Jessica) Thomason, granddaughter Meagan (Zach) Hughes, granddaughter Morgan (Scott) Clynch, grandson Michael McCarty, and great-grandchildren Hope, Mac, and Luke.

The family is very grateful to the BeeHive Assisted Living facility staff and Hospice of Lubbock. Together they provided loving care for our beloved Pop.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church of Lubbock Congregational Giving — First United Methodist Church (fumc.com), Lubbock Meals on Wheels Donate (lubbockmealsonwheels.org), or Hospice of Lubbock – Standard – Texas – Covenant Health.

Thank you and God Bless.