James B. King

James Berchel King, 91, of Amarillo, passed to his Heavenly Home, Saturday, October 29, 2022, in Amarillo, Texas surrounded by his family.  Memorial services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday at Crossroads Country Church, 14425 FM 1541, with Pastor Bob Miller officiating.

James was born February 20, 1931, in Kirkland, Texas, Childress County, to Berchel Harris and Melissie Elnora (Griffin) King. He was number 11 of 13 siblings.  On March 5, 1951, James married the love of his life, Josephine Adenia Mills in Clarendon, Texas.  Shortly after marriage, James was drafted into the US Army where he served active duty and reserves from April of 1951 to January of 1957 where he was a half-track truck driver.  James and Josephine made their home in Amarillo, Texas after he was discharged from the Army.  James started his career as a carpenter in 1952 and then he became a construction superintendent in 1956.  He worked for Doyle Construction 2 years, High Plains Construction for 2 years before settling in to work for Wiley Hicks Jr Construction for 25 years. After retiring from being a superintendent James went to work at Pantex as a building inspector where he stayed for 5 years. James returned to Wiley Hicks Jr Construction to do one last job before going into business with his son Mike King in 2004.  James worked on job sites and in the shop until retiring for good in 2018 at the age of 87.  James was proud of his work around Amarillo and surrounding areas.  It was not unusual for him to point out buildings where he was the superintendent when driving around town and surrounding areas. James took pride in his work and had a great work ethic, and he encouraged his children and grandchildren to do the same. James enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, and fishing. Back in his younger days he enjoyed working on cars with his son and brothers-in-law.

James was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Josephine (2011), son Michael Randell (1951), granddaughter Johnna Michelle King (1994), son James Michael (2022), and 10 siblings.

Leaving behind to forever cherish his memory are two daughters, Pam Burrier of Amarillo and Mona Yarbrough and husband Les of Amarillo; daughter-in-law Lupita King of Amarillo; two sisters, Jo Evelyn Tolbert of Amarillo and Jerrie Faye Tims of Farwell, Texas; ten grandchildren: Chris Burrier and wife Becky, Gary Burrier and wife Noemi, Dustin King and wife Shyla, David King and wife Lacie, Joshua Burrier and wife Crystal, Robin Baber and husband Benjamin, Taylor Gustin, Michelle Perdue and husband Brandon, Koben Yarbrough, and Angela King all of Amarillo; seven great granddaughters, Addison Burrier, Makayla Reeves, Sophee McCrary, Jaedyn Burrier; Ava King; Thalia Perdue; Daisy Burrier all of Amarillo; ten great grandsons, Christian Burrier, Andrew Burrier, Jeremiah Rodriguez, Zachary Burrier, Aidin King, Kelton King, Kolton King, Brayden Burrier, Lance Burrier, and Kayson Baber all of Amarillo; one great-great grandson, Ian Burrier of Amarillo; his companion, Fay Wortham of Groom, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.