Former Area Lawmaker Dies at 87

LONGVIEW — Former State Representative James Earl “Jimmy” Mankins Sr. died Tuesday in Longview. He was 87. Mankins, a longtime trucking company operator, represented Gregg County in the state Legislature from 1974 through 1984. “He was probably one of the most respected legislators we’ve had,” said Mickey Smith, a former Kilgore mayor and Gregg County judge. “Jimmy Earl was pretty quiet, moved real quietly. He was real congenial and could get things done.” Mankin is survived by his wife of 65 years, Virginia, and their children. Funeral services are set for 10:00 tomorrow morning at First Presbyterian Church in Kilgore, with the Rev. Scott Nowack officiating. Burial will follow in Kilgore Cemetery.