James Richard Malott, 69, passed away on May 25, 2015, after a lifelong battle with diabetes. Known by his friends as Jim and his loved ones as Jimmy, he began life on August 14, 1945 in Meridian, Mississippi. He was the only son of three children born to Geri and Richard Malott. In his youth, he enjoyed and excelled in all sports. His passion and talent collided with golf. After a stint at University of Texas at El Paso, Jim became a PGA professional at Vista Hills Country Club in El Paso. When not at the club, he successfully played tournaments. He made quite an impression on the course and became sponsored by Ben Hogan. But Jim was never solely concerned about his own golf success. He delighted in teaching others the sport he loved so much. As a gifted teacher, he could quickly pinpoint changes to straighten out anyone’s swing. While he never truly left golf, Jim engaged his entrepreneurial desires. He developed James R. Malott Custom Homes. As a Parade of Homes Award recipient, he was honored and respected for his work in the El Paso community. Jim had a strong philanthropic side. He enjoyed giving back to the community. Marrying his love of Texas football and an attitude of service, he sat on the Sun Bowl committee for several years.
After relocating to Fort Worth, Jim returned full time to the golf course at Grapevine Golf Course and later at Texas Star Golf Course. As an avid TCU fan, he enjoyed the highs of their football success taking in games with his son. Always supporting his loved one’s passions, he enjoyed cheering on his grandchildren at their sporting events across Texas. After retiring, he served as the course Marshall at Iron Horse Golf Course in North Richland Hills, TX. Although he bore the physical scars of a long term fight with diabetes, he continued to play golf right up to the weeks before his final battle. When he wasn’t on the course, he could be found enjoying Mexican food with his wife Riki, telling a story to anyone willing to listen, or on a dance floor showing the youngsters how it was done. Jim certainly knew how to bring the fun to any crowd.
Survived by his wife Riki Clark Malott, children Merri Malott Cronk (Scott), Kelly Malott; stepchildren Riki-Jo Hook Acuna (David), Aprel Dobson (David), Rachel Rump (Kevin), Regean Kurtz (Brian); grandchildren Kyle and AJ Cronk; step grandchildren Lauren, Tori and Thomas Hook, Liberty and Phoebe Dobson, Gavin and Emily Rump, and Miranda Kurtz; sisters Sandi Malott Rollin (Paul) and Susan Malott; nephews Michael Rollin (Tara), Jason Torres (Cheryl) and great nephews Peter, Nathaniel, Andrew and Joseph.
He is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Geri Malott, niece Susan Rollin Torres and great niece Susan Catherine Torres.
A memorial service will be held in the St. Michael’s Anglican Church, 3800 Popplewell Street in Richland Hills, Texas, Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 1:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to First Tee or Diabetes Research.
