JAMES W. CABBELL, SR. March 6, 1931 – June 19, 2022
James (Jim) W. Cabbell, Sr., of Amarillo, Texas passed peacefully in his home from this life and on to his eternal home Sunday, June 19, 2022. He was mentally sound and lived a long, full and happy life for 91+ years. He had no regrets and did not fear death. He faithfully cared for his wife, Jo Helen, who had Alzheimer’s for 17 years before she passed in December 2021.
A memorial and celebration of life service will be held 11 a.m., Friday June 24, Southwest Church of Christ, 4515 Cornell St., Amarillo, Texas. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home.
Jim was born March 6, 1931, in Borger TX to Jack G. Cabbell and Clara W. Cabbell. He was raised in Borger with some of his early life, actually in Amarillo, where he attended Margaret Willis and Sam Houston schools. He finished back in Borger High School, graduating in 1950. After a semester at Texas Tech, Jim entered The US Air Force, during the Korea conflict. As a Bell Helicopter mechanic, he attained the rank of Airman First Class. He was honorably discharged after serving more than three years. Upon returning home from the service, Jim worked as an insurance investigator while attending school at Frank Phillips College on the GI Bill.
Jim met the love of his life Jo Helen who was a student at West Texas State. Soon after, Jim transferred to West Texas and Nov. 22, 1955, he and Jo Helen were married on the campus at the Joseph A. Hill Memorial Chapel. He received a BBA in Management.
Jim started work with Sears Roebuck and Company at the old downtown location at 10th and Polk in Amarillo. He made the move into the new store at Sunset Center and was later transferred to Monahans, Texas to open a catalog store. Upon leaving Sears, Jim entered the private business sector in Monahans and Kermit, Texas.
Following a visit to Los Alamos, New Mexico, Jim and Jo Helen fell in love with the mountains, the town, its surroundings and the possibilities. In 1964, he made a commitment to open business in Los Alamos, and they sold out the business interests in Texas. Jim and Jo Helen, along with their two children moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico where they lived for 40 years. Jim and Jo Helen worked alongside each other just about every day until their retirement. Together they operated a real estate and property management business as well as a title insurance agency. Jim was also a licensed real estate appraiser. Active in the real estate and title business associations on both a local and state level, serving on committees, local President and also served as President of the New Mexico Land Title Association in 1987-1988.
In 2003, he sold most all of the business interest in Los Alamos, and they retired back to Amarillo to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
While living in Los Alamos, Jim enjoyed hunting elk and deer with a group of his business associates and his son Jim, Jr. He and Jo Helen and the kids traveled and camped in their camper and then motorhome all the way from New Mexico to Florida to California and many places in between. Anything children, and Jim was “all in.” He coached Little League Baseball, Webelos Scout Leader, was an organizer of the Young American Football League (YAFL), was the statistician and team bus driver for the ladies’ high school basketball team as well as President of the Booster Club. He helped in any way he could and so enjoyed watching the travel softball team that both Jo Helen and Jobie played on together for a few summers.
For many years Jim and Jo Helen worked their tails off during harvest at the farm. Jim supported all the grandkids in their endeavors from racing, to soccer, to softball, to basketball, stock shows, and helped in the kitchen at Ponderosa Christian Camp for several years. While living in Los Alamos Jim was very active in the Los Alamos Church of Christ and for many years, served as one of the Elders of the congregation. He was an active member of Southwest Church of Christ in Amarillo and served in World Bible School for years. Countless people were touched by his generosity and his humor. Both special gifts of love that he wore so well. He never met a stranger.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents Jack and Clara Cabbell, his beloved wife of 66 years, Jo Helen and one brother John Cabbell.
Jim is survived by his two children, son James W. Cabbell, Jr. and wife Patty of Claude, Texas, daughter Jobie Cabbell Ogburn and husband Gregory of Amarillo; five married grandchildren, Courtney Cabbell Parrish and husband Dave of San Francisco, CA, Logan Cabbell and wife Kacy of Wellington, TX, Haley Ogburn Benner and husband Evan of Amarillo, Preston Ogburn and wife Carli of Canyon and Parker Ogburn and wife Brooklyn of Hurst, TX, 6 great grandchildren, Kodi Jo Cabbell, Taylee Rae Cabbell, Tinlee Kay Cabbell, Eleigh Grace Ogburn, Jaclyn Jo Ogburn and Elsie Joy Ogburn; one sister Janis Cabbell White, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to High Plains Children’s Home, Amarillo, TX. The family can be reached through their daughter at jobieogburn@gmail.com.
