M. Joe James

M. Joe James, 74, of Amarillo, passed away on Sunday, September 5, 2021. Celebration of Life Services will be 2:00 PM Wednesday at New Life Restoration Center, 1508 Whittier St. in Hereford, with Pastor Errol Hainer of PRAY Amarillo officiating. Burial will be at Castro Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Tuesday at Cox-Rowley Funeral Home, 4180 Canyon Drive in Amarillo.

Joe was born August 5, 1947 in Dimmitt, Texas to C.H. and Peggy James. He graduated from Dimmitt High School and attended West Texas State University. He married Jackie Johnston on January 20, 1967 in Dimmitt. Joe worked as a master diesel mechanic for Oglesby Equipment and John Deere in Hereford, and Case in Muleshoe and Amarillo. He was a farm mechanic for Roy Carlson farms, and also sold cars for a time.

Joe’s passion was studying the Word of God. He was an avid reader and a Bible scholar who was up early in the morning, reading, studying and talking to God. Jesus was Joe’s best friend. Joe and Jackie were active members of New Life Restoration Center, formerly Community Church for 25 years, before moving to Amarillo. They were longtime members of Trinity Fellowship Church, Cowboy Church, and PRAY Amarillo. They traveled on missions to places all around the world, including Mexico, Russia, Kenya, Dubai, Nepal and the Phillipines. Joe had a heart for people and took Mark 16:15- "He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation'." as his command from the Lord. He loved to tease, laugh and joke. He was history buff and enjoyed watching westerns, especially John Wayne movies. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. His family is at peace knowing that Joe is with his Savior.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Chris Maples.

Survivors include his wife, Jackie James; two daughters, Tandie Layman and husband Jim Layman of Hereford, and Shelly Oyler and husband Dr. Garret Oyler of Clinton, OK; a son, Corey James and wife Lisa James of Amarillo; a sister, Ann Johnson and husband Robert Johnson of Bangs, TX; eight grandchildren, Lauren Layman, Sarah Celaya and husband Victor Celaya, Hannah Layman, Kaylee Oyler, Brenden James and wife Cambry James, Jayden Oyler, Rachael Daughtry, and Chad Daughtry, Jr.; and seven great-grandchildren, Rylee, MaKaidyn, Amelia, Elinor, Tillian, Dennis, and Rylee.

The family suggests memorials may be made to PRAY Amarillo Missions at PO Box 7881, Amarillo, TX 79114.

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