Jimmie Leslie Fry

Jimmie Leslie Fry, 80, of Amarillo, Texas passed into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on Sunday, August 2, 2026. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends until we reunite in Heaven.

Jim was born on June 5, 1946 to Charles and Mary Fry in Rogers, Arkansas as the youngest of 4 children. After moves to Higgins and Lubbock, his family finally settled in Amarillo, Texas. Jim graduated from Amarillo High in 1964 and later attended Amarillo College, University of Houston, and West Texas State University. He graduated from West Texas State University in 1969. He also served in the National Guard signing up in 1969.

Shortly after graduating from Amarillo High, Jim met Lana Ritchey on a blind date. It must have been a good date because the two were married on August 19, 1966. The couple was just shy of their 60th anniversary upon his passing.

Jim was an honest, truthful, and Godly man. He lived out his values in his everyday life. He often overpaid for work done by others because he believed the job was well-done and worth more than the bill. He enjoyed the simple things in life. He was content to sit and talk to a stranger while his wife was shopping, take a nice afternoon nap in his favorite chair (whichever chair he was sitting in at the time was usually his favorite – the man did not discriminate!), or eating….this may have been his absolute favorite thing. Never saw him shy away from anything edible, and he was always willing to go back for 2nds or even thirds…very hobbit-like.

Jim enjoyed traveling, especially to the mountains. Fishing a mountain stream was a favored pastime. He didn’t seem to crave excitement, but he Ioved being in the mountains exploring the backcountry in his trusty forerunner. These trips resulted in pictures his youngest son never would have imagined has parents to capture. He was also an avid reader and truly enjoyed historical literature. He was a wealth of information on many subjects and never ceased to continue learning.

Jim’s passion was family. He was a good father and devoted husband, but he really doted on his grandchildren and great grandchildren. One of his reasons for enjoying a good meal lay in the gathering of family with whom to share it. Whether it was a simple trip to visit a relative or a full family reunion, he was truly in his element when surrounded by family and sharing stories or discussing some new found knowledge.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bill; and sister, Gayle. He is survived by his loving wife, Lana; brother, Max; children, Bret, Marnie, and Jared; 6 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Jim was a man of virtue, steadfast and loyal to family and friends. He enjoyed serving God and serving others.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Kassandra and the staff at Excela Hospice as well as the staff of Goodlife who became family while providing Jim with kind and loving care during his stay. They were a Godsend during his last weeks of physical life. Lana would also like to share her thanks to Dr. Montana O'dell for his care and help navigating Jim's health condition.

A brief visitation to honor Jim's life will be held on Friday, August 7th, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home, 2800 Paramount Blvd.