James Weldon Ennis, 89, passed away on August 25, 2026, bringing to a close a long and full life devoted to family, faith, work, and the people he loved.

Weldon was born in 1937 in Colorado City, Texas, to William Alvie Ennis and Mollie Lee Bowden Ennis. He grew up in Colorado City, where some of his earliest and most enduring memories were made on the football field. A standout player for the Colorado City Wolves, Weldon played right guard and helped anchor the line for the remarkable 1954 team that finished 11–1 and advanced to the regional playoffs before falling to eventual state champion Phillips. Known as one of the Wolves’ top defensive performers, he was also recognized on the district defensive team. Football—and the friendships forged with teammates he had played alongside since boyhood—remained an important part of his early years.

After high school, Weldon attended McMurry College in Abilene, Texas, now McMurry University, where he earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1959.

Weldon proudly served in the United States Army. In 1961, he completed six months of active-duty training under the Reserve Forces Act program and trained as a military policeman at the Provost Marshal General Center at Fort Gordon, Georgia. His training included self-defense, traffic control, and procedures involving military and civil law. Following his active-duty training, Weldon continued his military service with the 90th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army Reserve and remained in the Reserves for six years.

In 1963, Weldon married Gloria Barker in Dallas, Texas, beginning a marriage and love story that would span more than six decades. Together they built a beautiful life centered on family and faith. They raised a family, welcomed children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, weathered life’s joys and challenges side by side, and shared an enduring love that became the foundation of the family they built together.

Weldon also built a long and accomplished career in the insurance and information technology industries. After graduating from McMurry in 1959, he began his career with Southland Life Insurance Company in Dallas. His professional path led him into the rapidly developing world of data processing and computer technology. After spending several years away from Southland Life, including serving as Data Processing Manager for Modern America Company of Dallas, Weldon returned to Southland Life and continued to advance within the company. In 1974, he was promoted to Manager of the Computer Technical Department and rose to the position of Assistant Vice President.

His career eventually took Weldon and Gloria beyond Texas. From 1991 to 1994, they lived in South Carolina while Weldon worked for Policy Management Systems. They later returned to the Dallas area when Weldon accepted a position with Blue Cross Blue Shield, where he continued his career until retiring in 2002.

Work was important to Weldon, but so were the relationships he made along the way. Many of the friendships formed during his years at Southland Life endured long after retirement, and he continued to enjoy spending time with former colleagues through the Southland Life retirees group.

Away from work, Weldon enjoyed sports, fishing, home projects, helping neighbors with their projects, Gloria’s homemade meals, fine dining, and, just as happily, a good Braum’s burger followed by a slice of coconut cream pie. Those who knew him will especially remember his quick wit, loyalty, generosity, and warm sense of humor. He had a special affection for his dog, Daisy, and cherished their walks together, often stopping along the way to visit and talk with neighbors.

Weldon is survived by his wife, Gloria Barker Ennis; his daughter, Pam Ennis Thompson (Charlie); his son, Brad Ennis (Liz); his daughter, Shelley Ennis Schliep (Butch); his five grandchildren, Leigh Thompson, Emily Ennis Mosley (Shane), Ethan Ennis (Dani), Sam Schliep, and Sydney Schliep; and his three great-grandchildren, Amelia Ennis, Luca Ennis, and Estelle Mosley. He is also survived by his sister, Sue McKinney (Mike), along with beloved nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

The family will remember Weldon privately, with no formal services planned at this time. Those wishing to honor his memory are encouraged to support causes that reflected his lifelong spirit of generosity through the North Texas Food Bank or Carter BloodCare. A long time and dedicated blood donor who also believed deeply in helping those in need, Weldon understood how much difference one simple act of generosity could make.