James Ray Johnson

James Ray Johnson, 38 of Amarillo, TX, passed away on Wednesday, December 13, 2023.

James was born to James E. Johnson and Emily G. Johnson on August 18, 1985, at 12:10 PM, at Midland Memorial Hospital in Midland, TX.  James was then baptized on September 1, 1985, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Tucumcari, NM with Godparents being Freddy Lucero and Bernadette Lucero (Rosa).  He later received the Sacrament of First Reconciliation and Penance and First Holy Communion on May 7, 1994. On May 2, 2002, James received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Anne’s with C.J. Wiegel being his sponsor.  James selected St.  Andrew (Patron saint of fishermen) as his patron. 

James was raised in Tucumcari, where he also attended school—graduating from Tucumcari High School in 2004.  Following graduation, James attended Mesalands Community College, earning a degree in auto body repair.  During this time, James welcomed his daughter, Faith Rayann Johnson on April 4, 2005.

On April 20, 2012, James married the former Jamie Huntley, with James E. Johnson as best man and Brianna Molinas as maid of honor. 

James worked for the Quay County Road Department from 2005 to 2013 as a Heavy Equipment Operator.  In 2013, he relocated to Amarillo, TX to work for Hulcher Services.  It was at Hulcher that James gained confidence and became an expert and running almost any piece of machinery.

James loved to fish and weightlift—becoming a power lifter in 2013.  He loved being with his family and his daughter was his whole world.  His sense of humor was like no other, he could make anyone laugh.  James knew how to make every single person he met feel special—like a friend—James knew no strangers.

James is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents: James T. and Geraldine Johnson, Isabel Cordova, Sandra Cordova Heredia, Lila Diaz, and mother-in-law: Connie Harris.

James is survived by his wife: Jamie, his daughter: Faith Rayanna Johnson and stepchildren: Brianna and George Molinas, his parents: James and Emily Johnson, sister: Tiffany M. (Miguel) Romero, nephews: Ray Anthony, Haddy and Emilio, aunt Debra Johnson and son Daniel, uncle Ralph, Ruth, Sabrina and Michelle. Also surviving James are his mother-in-law: Jackie Smith and Jack Huntley, Kelly, Kenneth and Kathy Smith (Felix) and Candy (Jared) Purcell, his maternal grandmother: Mary A. Cordova, aunt: Della (Jose) Garcia, uncles: Lawrence (Barbara) Cordova, Patsy (Ramon) Gomez, Ernest Cordova, Sofie Whitney and Joseph Cordova, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, family and friends.

Recitation of the Most Holy Rosary will take place on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 7pm at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Tucumcari, NM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 22, 2023 at 11am also from St. Anne's Catholic Church in Tucumcari, NM with Father JohnPaul Afuecheta as celebrant.

Burial will follow at Tucumcari Memorial Park with Kevin Balzano, Ignacio Villegas, Jeremy Hunter, Trenton Winn Trey, Ray Anthony Johnson Garcia and Jake Jimenez serving as Pallbearers.

Honorary Pallbearers will include: Lenor and Ruben Romero, Amy and Adam Rodriquez, all his Godchildren, Christina Romero Wood, Michelle Johnson and Julius Salas.

Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435.  575-472-3369.  To Place an online condolence or tribute, kindly visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.