James Franklin Isbell of Farmers Branch, Texas passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2015 at the age of 78after fighting a long illness.He was born I Seminole, OK on February 14, 1937 to William Alfred Isbell and Mary Elizabeth Green. James attended New Diana High School and graduated in 1955. After high school he attended Kilgore Junior College. In 1956 he married his high school sweetheart Martha Rogers on July 12th. He joined the United States Navy in November of 1957. He was one of a select few to serve in a blimp squadron in Lakehurst, New Jersey. James finished off his military career stationed in Hawaii and was discharged in 1967. After being discharged from the military he and his wife moved to the DFW area in 1968. He reenlisted in the military as a Naval Reserve which he continued until 1991. During his time in the Reserves he traveled all over the world. The couple had a daughter, Mary Martha Isbell that was born in November 1974. His last job was with the University of Texas at Arlington and he retired in 1997. In his retirement he enjoyed fishing at the coast and traveling in the RV. He was a member of the Baptist Church in Ore City and a 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge.James is survived by his wife Martha Isbell, his daughter Mary Heath, his granddaughter Gillian Buckelew and his grandson Daniel Buckelew.Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 26, 2015 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in the parlor at North Dallas Funeral Home, 2710 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, Texas 75234.Interment with military honors will be on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 11:15 am at the DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211.TheMemorial Service will be Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 2:00 pm in the Brooks Family Chapel at North Dallas Funeral Home, 2710 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, Texas 75234.Please send the family condolences and/or share memories on this website.