James “Jim” F. McBride, 81, passed away Monday, June 14, after a brief illness. James was born on August 29, 1939 to Mary and Lee Roy McBride in Pampa where he attended Holy Souls School through 8th grade and graduated from Pampa High School in 1957. Growing up he worked after school and during the summer at his father’s business Pampa Garage & Salvage. He attended the University of Texas in Austin for a year, then joined the U.S. Army in 1962, proudly serving as a Morse interceptor in Japan, until 1965. James graduated with a degree in accounting from Arlington State University in 1966, where he met and married his wife, Sandra Harris McBride. They celebrated their 57th anniversary on June 6, 2021.
The couple was blessed with four children: Lara Kathleen Cotten (Curtis), Steven Lee McBride (Jenny), John Emil McBride (Rachael), and Erin Brooke Simmons (Jeff). The fun really started with the births of eight grandchildren: Ryan, Julia and Mason Cotten (all 24 yrs. old!); Bennett (22), Elizabeth (20), and John Carter (14) McBride; and Leighton (10) and Easton Simmons (8). They had such pride in the character, integrity, and academic and professional achievements of all their children Their pleasure grew even more watching their grandchildren participating in their many activities.
Jim was a devoted husband, a wonderful father, a trusted friend, a thoughtful leader, and a friendly co-worker. Dad taught by example and his legacy is one of kindness, hard work and empathy. Jim enjoyed reading books about the history of world wars, Westerns, sci-fi, Clive Cussler books, and watching Perry Mason reruns, Antique Roadshow and Doc Martin. He loved baseball, and enjoyed the thrill of watching Mason play for Amarillo High School in 2016 and attending Dillas and Sod Poodles games.
He was preceded in death by his parents Mary and Lee Roy McBride, brother and sister-in-law John Roy and Jane Anne McBride, former daughter-in-law Amy Hutchinson McBride, his cousin James E. Pavlicek, Jr. who died in Viet Nam, and cousins
Emily Diller, Susan Brison, John Pastusek, Mary Elizabeth Pastusek and William Henderson.
Visitation is on Sunday, June 20, from 6-8 p.m. at Griggs Schooler Gordon Funeral Home at 5400 Bell St. Eulogies will begin at 6:15 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial, celebrated by Father John Valdez, is on Monday, June 21, at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas Catholic Church at 4100 S. Coulter, followed by entombment at Memorial Park Cemetery in the East Mausoleum at 6969 I-40E.
Serving as pallbearers are Tom Bell, Curtis Cotten, Ryan Cotten, Mason Cotten, Bennett McBride and Cody Wagner. Honorary pallbearers are Ray White, Jerry Pope, Thomas Keith, M. Brock Jones, Jim Speights and Ed Miles Jr.
In lieu of flowers the family request any memorials be made in James F. McBride’s name to the Southwest Amarillo Public Library, 6801 SW 45th Avenue, or any organization benefitting veterans or children.
LIFE WELL LIVED
A life well lived is a precious gift of hope and strength and grace
From someone who has made our world a brighter place.
It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad, with smiles and sometimes tears,
with friendships formed and good times shared and laughter through the years.
A life well lived is a legacy of joy and pride and pleasure, a living, lasting memory our grateful hearts will treasure.
