James Carl Polk

James “Jimmy” Polk, husband, father, son, teacher, and friend passed away on Monday, September 7th, 2020 at the age of 49 after a hard-fought battle with Frontotemporal Deterioration.  Jimmy is survived by his wife of 28 years, Melinda (Creecy); his children, son Cameron and wife Shannon of Forney, daughter Hannah of Kaufman, son Micah, U.S. Navy, and daughter Emma of Kaufman; his mother, Nita Smith of Kaufman, father Jim Polk and wife Vicky of Hawkins, and sister Audra Allen of Australia. 

Jimmy was born in Killeen, TX on April 8th, 1971 to Jim Polk and Nita DuBose. He was a 1989 graduate of Mineola High School where he was a proud member of Act 1 and Company, the Mineola Yellowjacket band, and the choir. He attended Jacksonville College and then Dallas Baptist University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in church music (BCM.) He later received his master’s degree in education from Stephen F. Austin State University.  He was a judge for both of the major instrumental music organizations in the state of Texas. Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), and The Texas Small School Bands (ATSSB). He was also a proud life-long member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity of America and a member of the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Band Camp Faculty for 13 years. 

He married Melinda Creecy on June 20th, 1992. In 1997 they welcomed son, Cameron. Two years later they had a daughter, Hannah, and two years after that, son Micah. In April of 2008, they adopted Emma and their family was complete. 

Jimmy was a talented musician and shared that talent as worship leader with several churches including Calvary Baptist Kemp, First Baptist Ferris, First United Methodist Weatherford, and First Baptist Kaufman where he served for 19 years. He was also passionate about sharing his love of music with students. He was a dedicated public educator for 17 years, teaching in Kemp ISD and Kaufman ISD.

It would honor the family and Jimmy’s memory if, in lieu of flowers, you would donate to one of the following:

·         First Baptist Church of Kaufman will be naming the Worship Arts wing after Jimmy. Please consider a donation to the wing by mailing a check to FBC Kaufman, 2000 W. Fair Street, Kaufman, TX 75142 or online at www.fbckaufman.org/give-online.

·         The Jimmy Polk Legacy Scholarship gives financial support to one graduating senior in Kemp and one graduating senior in Kaufman. It is not necessary to purchase a shirt to donate. https://www.bonfire.com/do-more-of-what-makes-you-holy/