McWhorter

James Lee McWhorter, 85, of Rockdale went to his eternal home on Feb. 12, 2022.

He was preceded in death by his parents, R.D. and Ruby McWhorter; brother Robert McWhorter; a sister, Sue Wade; and a half-brother, Vance Jones.

He is survived by his wife, Shayne McWhorter; son David McWhorter (Annette) of Tomball; daughter Kelly Shows (Brian) of Garden Ridge; daughter Molly Jean Frazier of Omaha, NE; sister Jane McWhorter of San Marcos; grandchildren Hannah Shows and Ethan Shows of Garden Ridge, Kimberly McWhorter of Tomball, Martin Frazier of Omaha, NE; mother of his children, Doris Jean McWhorter of Buda; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

James was born in Amarillo on Dec. 7, 1936. His childhood years in Amarillo were happy ones spending a lot of time with his brother and their friends—many of which he stayed in touch with the rest of his life!

He graduated from Amarillo High School in 1955 and attended The University of Texas at Austin, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

James also served his country in the Army as a reserve warrant officer in intelligence.

Throughout his career, James worked for several different agencies in Amarillo and Austin. Most of his working years he was employed with the State of Texas at the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in Austin, where he served as assistant commissioner for administration. He retired from the coordinating board in August 2000 to his “happy place,” his ranch outside of Rockdale—“The BarNone” (named by his brother).

James’s retirement years were filled with raising cattle (until a mama cow tried to take him out); playing golf; taking adventurous walks around the ranch—in the later years with his dogs; traveling with family and friends; one of his greatest joys, hosting his children, grandchildren, extended family and friends at the ranch; and many evenings just sitting on the porch watching ducks on the lake and other creatures of nature pass us by.

James was always very active up until the last six months of his life when he began to lose his years long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. The disease took everything from him except his spirit which remained positive and focused on the wellbeing of others until the end. Praise God his struggle with that horrible affliction is over!

We are heartbroken that he is gone from here, but comforted knowing he is whole again and that we will see him again in Heaven. Until we meet again, Sweet James, may you rest in Peace!

James’ celebration of life (he did not want a funeral) will be held at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale on Saturday, Feb. 26, at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch, 600 SW 11th Ave., Amarillo, TX 79101, or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home, P.O. Drawer 1417, Rockdale, TX 76567, 512-446-5454.