FREESTONE PAST/PRESENT
J.R. “Sonny” Sessions

GROWING UP WITH JR & KYLE

  Have had interesting and rather privileged life. In looking back one of the best parts was 
being involved with our grand children, especially Kyle and JR whom I had the most 
contact. Close relationship with them from infancy to adulthood, Kyle nine months older 
than JR but they got along well though ad different as daylight and dark but enjoyed them 
equally.
When they small and working cattle it a fulltime job grabbing JR to keep from getting run 
over as wasn’t scared of anything. Kyle more laid back liked the fence better, Kyle a 
heavy weight baby who looked like a little Japanese wrestler, had hernia surgery about 
this time and everyone concerned about me picking him up as I used too, JR about like a 
little cricket and it a job getting either saddled up in a child’s seat as picked them up often 
at day care in afternoons and kept until picked up.
  They loved to go to the pasture with me, once in my old Blazer had load of cattle cubes 
on back seat with them sitting on top, hit a bad hole in the pasture and sacks of cubes 
thrown everywhere, when stopped couldn’t find JR, finally located unhurt under several 
sacks of feed. Often changed their diapers as needed.
When I picked Kyle up at day care he met me at the door proudly telling the other 
children (that’s my grandpa). They were usually at different locations, Kyle in Fairfield, 
JR in Teague, Mexia or Wortham. They both visited the Sheriffs Office and Jail often, 
Kyle knew all the personnel, usually the trusty’s and many of the prisoners. Both made 
emergency calls with me or to others, especially Kyle.
  I carried both to swimming lessons and we swam in our private pool, a stock tank with 
diving board. As they got bigger all they wanted to do was try to drown Grandpa who had 
to quit going with them. JR spent more time under water and in the muddy bottom than 
on top. They attended the Sheriffs Conference with us each year and looked forward to it 
with anticipation as made friends all over the State, not only the kids but the parents as 
well, I think Grandma and I about quit going when they did.
  JR rode the school bus some afternoons to the Isaacks who fixed him a can of Chefs 
Boyardee Spaghetti O’s his favorite treat in the afternoon; then he and Paw played poker 
(high card won). JR loved to play games and good player. Both played Little Dribbler 
and Little League Baseball and thru high school, both good players. Kyle didn’t play 
football long; JR did and one heck of a pass receiver for J.J.. Both with us to Galveston 
and New Braunfels yearly. Joined them at school for noon meals, especially Kyle who 
invited me often.  Sometimes took them to school or picked them up after. This was 
before the electronic game machines and would still talk to you; they often asked I tell 
them a story about my experiences, family or history. Kyle had some Boy Scouts 
experiences thanks to Mrs. DeFrance and others in Fairfield, this not available for JR in 
Wortham. When Grandpa left me home alone Kyle (sometimes both) insisted he spend 
the night so he could take care of me and did. Kyle very involved in Kirvin Vol. Fire 
Dept since big enough to walk.
Both in school bands for a while. Kyle rode a bull, didn’t take but once. 
JR involved in everything, church and school plays; he was a real Ham, good at public 
speaking in Future Farmers.
  Both very involved in Future Farmers under the direction of Mr. Knotts and others, 
Wortham a small school has a hard time keeping good teachers, fortunate to have Mr. 
Knotts for several years and then Mr. Phillips. JR involved in area offices, both learned 
welding and built things. I think this or something like it should be compulsory for all, 
most kids today can’t even drive a nail but a whiz on computers, don’t know anything to 
use in the real world. JR always a good student, Kyle like me had to struggle. Kyle 
privileged to be involved with his grandparents Richard and Sandra             Folk and 
especially his great grandfather Al Folk and great grandmother Kate, and Joe and Essie 
Sturdivant. JR didn’t get to know his as well.  When dove hunting, you left JR away from 
everything and everybody Kyle a good shot and safe hunter. It was great for them and us, 
our thanks to their parents for sharing them with us. Today Kyle working the construction 
business with his Dad, and JR a Cadet at West Point, proud of both of them. Really 
enjoyed growing up with them. 
                                       ***
  Memorial services for friend Wade Bottoms former Japanese Prisoner of War, captured 
at Corregedor made the infamous Death March and a slave laborer here and Japan during 
all of WWII. Enjoyed he and his family’s friendship for many years. A most remarkable 
man. Full military and Masonic services at Cotton Gin Cemetery with an Army Honor 
Guard. Will be missed also the last surviving Japanese prisoner of war living in Freestone 
Co.
  Grandma broke bone in foot and on crutches, said at church they pray for her, told them 
should be for me. Friend Fairfield Police Chief Faulkner leaving for better job, did good 
job and real nice guy, started as Reserve Deputy years ago.
  Never seen a wet cool July before, seen lots of hot dry one’s. My mother told that as a 
child here it snowed on July 4th, heard this from other’s too.