On April 16, 1944 James "Jimmy" Walter Govan Sr., was the third son born to the parentage of the late, Laro'C "Jack" & Willie Estella Govan. Jimmy accepted Christ as his personal Savior as a young boy, while living  with his grandparent, under the leadership of the late Deacon    Joseph Burns at Hopewell African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fairfield, TX where he worshipped until moving to Dallas, TX. Jimmy had a strong belief in God, and he never deviated from his belief. When asked are you praying he would say, "Yea, I talked to the Big Man."

Jimmy was the family's comedian. There was no dull moment around him. James received his formal education in the Fairfield School District. After school and moving to Dallas to work, James were hired instantly and began working for Samuel Packing Company as a butcher. He soon met and married the love of his life Jessie Pearl Williams on July 29, 1964. During their union two children was born, Terri Diane and James Walter, Jr. After the closing of Samuel's Packing Company, he held many different jobs, Borden's, Merico's and Dallas Independent School District, and later on a Truck Driver until his retirement.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Laro'C "Jack" & Willie Estella Govan, his wife Jessie Pearl Williams Govan-Hyder, son Robert Earl Hayes, four brothers: Rev. Alvester Govan, Ralvester, Curtis Rufe and Vernell Govan, two sisters: Lucy Lee Govan-Shed and Arvellar Govan.

Jimmy leaves to cherish his memories (2) children: Terri D. (Reginald) Govan-Dotson and James Walter Govan Jr.; (1) stepson Brandon Hyder all of Dallas, TX; (5) grandchildren: Joshua Owens of Teague, TX, Corey Govan, Corderra (Morasha) Govan, Collin Govan and Courtney Brackens; (6) great grandchildren; (1) brother H.C. Govan of Dallas, TX; (3) sisters: Gladys Govan of Mesquite, TX, Florence Govan-Harrington of Duncanville, TX and Iva Ann Govan of Dallas, TX; (7) sister-in-laws: Donna Sue, Willie Lee Govan, Gatha Lee Govan, Dorothy D. Cobbs, Mattie Taylor, James Marie Green and Verna Florence Baty all of Dallas, TX; (2) brother-in-laws: Bruce Williams Jr. and Adell Taylor along with a host of other relatives and friends.