James Junior Somerville

James “Sonny” Somerville, 83, of Amarillo died peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, February 9, 2022. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday February 12 at 10 o’clock in the morning at Memorial Park Chapel. The family will receive friends from 4 o'clock to 8 o'clock in the evening on Friday at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Dignity Memorial Park.

James was born on September 10, 1938 to Charlie and Jessie (Jones) Somerville in Modesto, CA. He grew up in Amarillo, TX and attended Amarillo High School. He met the love of his life, Regena McClure, while working at Hagermans. He also worked for AISD and the kids loved him! He ended his career working for Pantex for 28 years and was known as “J.J.” to his coworkers. In 2000, he and his spouse moved to Gordonville, TX to enjoy retirement where they met many new friends. In 2018, he and Regena moved back to Amarillo to be closer to family.

Most of all, James enjoyed entertaining everyone he came in contact with. He never met a stranger and he could fit into any crowd. He loved to tell stories, jokes, play musical instruments, and sing. He had a positive outlook on life and found comfort in uplifting the people around him.

He was proceeded in death by his parents; siblings: Sam, Billie, Victor, Gary, and Peggy; brother-in-laws: Weldon Bleu, Don Sheffield, and Dale Meredith and son Roderick Manning.

James is survived by his loving wife, Regena; Daughters: Robin and Chuck Van Hoose, Rhonda and Russell Helton, and Teresa Lambert; grandchildren: Christa, Heather, Alan, Susan, Rachel, Rusty, Cyrena, Rebecca, and Amanda; 19 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; and siblings: Anita, Charles, Teddy, Eddy, and Wanda.

The family request that any memories and/or stories that you have of James, that you please write, submit, or bring to share. The family would like to put a life book together.

Serving as pallbearers are Teddy Somerville, Eddy Somerville, Charles Somerville, Chuck Van Hoose, Russell Helton, Alan Askew, Jason Somerville and Gary Jr. Somerville.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialparkamarillo.com for the Somerville family.