James Lloyd Downey

James Lloyd Downey, 85, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away on May 1, 2026.

James was born on August 3, 1940, in Lazare, Texas, to James and Maude Downey. At the age of five, the family moved to Hooleyan, Texas. His father, James Henry Downey, was a farmer, and from an early age James learned the value of hard work. By the age of seven, he was driving tractors and caring for livestock both before and after school.

James attended Williams High School, through the eighth grade, and later graduated from Quanah High School. He continued his education at Tarleton State University and Texas Tech University.

James began his career working for Piggly Wiggly before joining Pioneer Natural Gas, later known as Energas. After 24 years with the gas company, he opened Downey’s Mobile Home and RV Repair. Following retirement, James discovered a new passion—building homes. He built two beautiful homes in Walnut Hills, completing most of the work himself.

Known as the family’s “go-to” person, James was always ready to help. Whether fixing something himself or offering thoughtful advice, he seemed to know how to solve almost any problem. He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family, and most of all, his relationship with Jesus Christ.

James was a devoted member and deacon of Chaparral Hills Baptist Church. He especially enjoyed the challenge of preparing and teaching Sunday School lessons. Though stepping outside of his comfort zone, teaching became deeply rewarding for him.

His determination and love for life were evident until the very end. Just two days after entering hospice care, James took one final fishing trip to Ute Lake. He spent several hours on the boat and proudly landed his last catch.

In 1960, James married Gatha Gravely in Quanah, Texas. He swept her away to Stephenville, where she completed her senior year of high school while he attended Tarleton State University. Though many doubted their young marriage would last, James and Gatha shared 65 years of marriage and were still together at his passing.

James was preceded in death by his father, James Downey; his mother, Maude Downey; and his sisters, Margrett Koch, Lucille Moore, and Audean Riley.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gatha Downey; his son, Rickey Downey and wife Denise; his daughter, Kristi Guerrero and husband Anthony; grandchildren Logan Downey and wife Jessica, Jared Guerrero and wife Madison, Shea Ballard and husband Cordan, and Jacob Guerrero and Autumn Schiller; and great-grandchildren Enzo Guerrero, Aurora Guerrero, Orion Guerrero, Oaklie Guerrero, and Camden Ballard. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home, 2800 Paramount Blvd. on May 5, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Services will be held at Chaparral Hills Baptist Church, 4000 W Cherry Ave, Amarillo, TX on May 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. with Alan Burkhalter. Burial will be in Llano East Cemetery.