Billy Joe James

February 27, 1947 - November 10, 2016

After a 16 month hard fought battle with lung cancer, God needed him home. Billy was born to C.W. (Bill) and Tessie James in Lamesa TX. He grew up there and graduated from Lasesa High School in 1965. After graduation he enlisted in the USMC. After his tour in Viet Nam was complete he was stationed at Camp Pendleton until his discharge January 1968. While on leave in November 1967 to visit family in Lamont he met his soul mate/wife Judy Kay Ireland they were married in April 1968. He worked and lived in Lamesa for 1 ½ years before moving to Arvin California. He worked at Bear Mountain Winery for a short time before he was hired in September 1968 by what was then Kern Cable and after many name changes and 45 years he retired from Bright House Networks January 1, 2015. Billy’s pride & joy was his family. Everything he did was with or for them. He was the best ever Husband, Dad, Papa, Uncle and Friend!! He always has a smile and kind word for everyone. He loved for company to drop in, have a meal or just a cup of coffee and snack. He always made you feel welcome. He was always willing to give a helping hand when needed. Needless to say he will be greatly missed by many and loved by all. Billy was preceded in death by daughter Shelly Renee, parents- Bill & Tessie and brother Jerry. Survived by wife of 48 years Kay, son Heath and wife Mindi, grandson Jeffery, granddaughters Alanna Jo and Nicole, great grandson Deegan Betts, nephew & niece Sean and Barbara Newton, great nephew Chad Newton, great niece Tawni Newton, mother in law Adah Ireland, sister in law Doris Newton, sister Linda Pierce, nieces, nephews and other family. Special friends Bob & Diane Watts, Ron & Beth Cheetwood, along with many other friends. A special thank you to AIS Infusion nurses, Optimal Hospice and Pallative Care. These special people allowed him to continue at home and be surrounded by loved ones.