Roll Call Tribute

James Ray "Jim" Anderson 

July 11, 1949 - September 23, 2024 

Jim Anderson, 75, of Amarillo, Texas passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024. Celebration of Life Services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Cox-Rowley Funeral Home Chapel, 4180 Canyon Drive.

Jim was born July 11, 1949 in Lamesa, Texas to Ray and Jean Anderson, and grew up on the family farm. He graduated from Lamesa High School, and married his high school sweetheart, Ann Curry, on June 8, 1968. They have enjoyed 56 years of marriage together. Jim was a farmer through and through; that was his passion. He went on to attend Texas A &M University on a horse judging scholarship, but later transferred to Tarleton State University, where he earned his bachelor degree in ag business in 1971. He made his career as a commodities broker. He remained actively involved in the agricultural movement.

In his spare time, Jim enjoyed his time on the CB Radio, where he made many lifelong friendships. He was a man of many talents, including music and poetry. Jim had won an FFA state music competition on the guitar while in high school. He never stopped playing that guitar, and enjoyed playing with his band, Palo Duro. He was also a talented cowboy poet. Jim loved to cook; his steaks were the best. He enjoyed hunting elk, deer, turkey, dove, pheasant and hog. Jim was a lifetime member of the WRCA, and was also a member of the AWA and WMA. He was an avid Texas Rangers Baseball fan. Mostly, Jim was a family man, who adored his grandkids. He was a proud Poppy to his Navy grandson, but was also so proud of all his grandkids’ accomplishments. Jim will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Anderson; a son, Cody Anderson and wife Christy of Amarillo; a daughter, Kristi “KK” Rankin of Amarillo; and five grandchildren, Tara Rayann Rankin, Layne William Rankin, Heide Lynn Anderson, Evelyn Avery Gleaves and Cody McCoy Anderson.

The family suggests memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, at https://give.michaeljfox.org; or the Parkinson’s Foundation at https://www.parkinson.org.