Jim W. Key, Jr.

Jim Wylie Key, Jr. 77, of Amarillo, passed away on Monday, February 15, 2021. Memorial services will be held at 10:00am Friday, February 19, 2021 at Cox-Rowley Funeral Home Chapel, 4180 Canyon Drive, with Pastor Kyle Wilkinson of Trinity Fellowship Church officiating. The service will be livestreamed at www.coxrowleyfuneralhome.com. Jim Wylie Key Jr. was born on January 3, 1944 in El Paso, Texas to Jim Key Sr. and Louise Key. Jim had three brothers and one sister. He graduated high school in Nowata, Oklahoma. He enlisted in the United States Army in August of 1961 and served three tours in Vietnam. Jim proudly served his country for 29 years and retired as an Army Major. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal Combat Infantryman Badge. Jim also had the privilege of standing guard for President Kennedy in Germany. Jim married Janiece Blandford on July 29, 1981 and they were happily married for 40 years. Jim and Janiece had six children that they raised in Amarillo. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a man of honor and integrity. To know Jim was to love him. He greeted everyone with open arms and an open heart. He had a fierce love for God and brought many to the Lord during his lifetime. Jim and Janiece served as children’s ministers at Trinity Fellowship for many years. They spent several years volunteering as Cuddlers at Northwest Texas Hospital where they spent hours holding and nurturing premature babies. Jim and Janiece went on to become foster parents. They opened their home and their hearts to many children throughout the years and eventually adopted three babies. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Gary and Rickey Key, and granddaughter Katie Cox. Survivors include his wife Janiece Key, brother Joe Key of Arkansas, sister Judy Key of Arkansas, three daughters, Denese Pruitt and husband John of Amarillo, Paula Ehrlichman and husband Scott of Canyon, Caylee Reed and husband Jon of Surprise, Arizona, three sons, Mike Cox and wife Anji of Amarillo, Christopher Key and girlfriend Shawnee of Amarillo, and Coby Key of Pampa. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends. The family would like to extend their gratitude to all of the loving medical staff family that Jim acquired while being a resident at the VAMC in Amarillo. Jim loved each and every one of you as if you were a part of his family, and we are so grateful for your compassion and love during his time with y’all.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to The Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarrorproject.org.

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