James Ronald Sanders

James Sanders, 73, of Amarillo passed away in the loving company of his wife, daughter, and a few of his granddaughters on December 4th, 2023.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Monday December 11, 2023 at Cox-Rowley Funeral Home, 4180 Canyon Drive with Kurt Oheim officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Garden Cemetery.

James was born in Dumas, Texas, on November 14, 1950 to Eugene and Julia Sanders. He attended and graduated from Dumas High School in 1969. On November 25th, 1985 he married Judy, his wife of 38 years.

Growing up he worked in his family’s print shop, acquiring skills which he would use throughout his life. And even some to impress his granddaughters, like writing his name upside down and backwards, with both hands at the same time.

James went on to join the United States Navy, and during this time was stationed in San Diego, California and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. He served on two submarine tenders, USS Samuel Gompers and USS Sperry, repairing and maintaining interior communications equipment while assisting in submarine repairs. He was proud to be a veteran.

As a highly skilled inventor, James altered tools and created new tools in order to make sure there wasn’t anything he couldn’t do. With these alterations his tools had a whole new set of capabilities. Throughout his life he was faced with many challenges, none of which he allowed to slow him down. Any challenge he was presented with was treated not as an obstacle, but as an opportunity. The words “I can’t” were not part of his vocabulary. In his spare time, you would find him mentoring students in the Canyon High School robotics class, at the Canyon Noon Lions Club meetings/events, or in his shop teaching his daughter and granddaughters how to build and/or repair anything they could think of.

Jimmy, Jim, James, Dad, Papa, whichever name you used for him, he was sure to make you laugh. He was always making jokes and trying to brighten the day of everyone he came into contact with. He loved classic cars, the Beach Boys, helping people however he could, and most of all he cherished spending time with those he loved.

James was preceded in death by his son-in-law Jammy Murray.

Survivors include wife of the home Judy; daughter Stephanie Murray and children; Corbitt and Sheila Wall; former-son in law Michael Roberts and wife Danielle; granddaughters; Chandess Millner and husband Brett, Rylee Harris, Savannah Wall, Sydney Roberts, Jayden Murray, Aspen Wall, Channing Wall, and Taylor Murray.  As well as bonus grandchildren Kenzie, Megan, and Little Michael Roberts; also two great-grandsons McClain and Brooks Millner.

At the request of the family, anyone with a classic vehicle is welcome to drive them to the funeral service on Monday Dec 11, 2023. The family would love to honor James in this way.