James Darrell Elza

James Darrell Elza
James Darrell Elza

James Darrell Elza, 74, of Amarillo, TX passed away Friday, May 22, 2020.

Memorial services will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 28, 2020, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel.  Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

James was born June 23, 1945, in Dallas, TX to Jewell and Gladys Elza.  He graduated from Floydada High School; earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Texas State University. He served in the Army and worked as an accountant.

James was a big supporter of West Texas A&M and had enjoyed coaching and supporting youth sports.  He attended Redeemer Church.  He previously served as president of the Panhandle Chapter of Texas Society of CPA’s and the Amarillo March of Dimes.  He also taught at Amarillo College for many years.

He was preceded in death by his son, Sterling Elza.

Survivors include two sons, Slater Elza and wife Shanna, and Sam Elza and wife Holly; a brother, Jay Elza; a sister, Jana Taylor and husband Jim; grandson, Sterling Elza; granddaughter, Chloe Elza; two nieces Bree Elza, Shandi Williams and her daughter, Harper Jade Williams.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to WTAMU Foundation, WTYAMU Box 60766, Canyon, TX 79016.

9 Replies to “James Darrell Elza”

  1. What a delightful friend James was to so many who had the privilege to know him. He was so positive and full of life, it is so hard to believe that he is gone. He will be missed!

  2. James was the glue that got the class of 1963 back together after 50 years. He was so enthusiastic about all that he did and was interested in what others were doing. Although I really didn’t know him in school, I was blessed to get to know him these last 10 years as we would meet at a restaurant whenever he came through Snyder. Loved his smile, his stories, his laugh, and hug. And he always had his precious puppy with him. Thank you James for being you.

  3. Condolences to James’ family, friends, sons, fellow Floydada and West Texas students, clients, as we’ve lost such a great person. Having reconnected again lately I was looking forward to many more good times and discussions. Rest In Peace, Dear Friend and Brother.

  4. James was a good friend and a great guy. We were friends in college and after many years were reunited several years ago. I will miss James and his stories.
    Tom Moore

  5. Thank you for the kind words…our dad was pretty awesome & James followed through on the legacy he left

  6. James grew up in Floydada and I was an older friend there. In our age group one of our small town fortunes was a Boy Scout Troop of excellence. James’s dad Jewell and mom Gladys were great supporters of that troop; in fact, his dad was the Assistant Scoutmaster most of those years working with Scoutmaster Jim Word. As leaders they developed an outstanding troop that for about two decades influenced the life success of hundreds of young men. James was just a Scout in the troop; yet, when we look at his steady resume of life successes, it is obvious that he has passed on his fortune.

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