John Rex Reeves performing Jim Reeves tribute in August, 1998. Seated directly behind and to his extreme left are Jim's sisters, Vergie (in the gray) and Louie ( in the black shades ).
For years the Jim Reeves Monument and Burial Site has been one of Panola
County's most popular tourist attractions. Located just three miles east
of Carthage on Highway 79 headed to Shreveport, the monument is twelve
feet tall and is approached by a beautiful walkway designed in the shape
of a guitar. Jim's beloved collie, Cheyenne, is also buried at this site.
In 1998 the State of Texas designated the spot as a historical land mark.
The ceremony commemorating this event took place on the same August weekend
of the inaugural Texas Country Music Hall of Fame awards weekend. Jim was
inducted that weekend along with Tex Ritter, Gene Autry, Cindy Walker and
Joe Allison, the writer of He'll Have to Go. Dignitaries attending the
graveside cermony included Merle Kilgore, Joe Allison, Cindy Walker, Carthage
mayor Carson Joines, Ed Gregory, Ralph Emory, BMI President Francis Preston,
hundreds of fans (country music fans are always dignitaries), and Jim's
two surviving sisters, Louie McNeese and Vergie Thomas. I, along with my
mother Neva and brother Jim also attended. Our Dad, John Rex Reeves performed
the graveside Jim Reeves song tributes. John Rex also performed the Jim
Reeves tribute on the TCMHoF awards show that night. If you're ever this
way, stop by and see the site. It is really something special.
John Rex Reeves performing Jim Reeves tribute in August, 1998.
Seated directly behind and to his extreme left are Jim's sisters, Vergie
(in the gray) and Louie ( in the black shades ).
Just drive up the road a ways and check out the Texas Country Music
Hall of Fame, also in Carthage. Seen here: Jim's display case.