James Chandler Ameel

Jim was born on May 28, 1933 in Lavonia, Michigan. His family moved to Dallas, Texas on the day of the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. He remained a proud Texan for the remainder of his life. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After his discharge he returned to Dallas where he met his soul mate Joanne McCaffrey, who he married on May 5, 1960.

Jim took a job as a sales representative with Smith Klein & French pharmaceuticals in 1963 and he was soon after transferred to Midland, Texas .This is where he raised his four children and where he called his home for over 50 years.

Jim was a very involved father and citizen. He coached his children in tennis, basketball and baseball. He remained active as a volunteer and member of Habitat for Humanity, Christmas in April, Midland County Housing Authority and St. Ann's Catholic Church. He was a founding member and former president of the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Ann's. He served on the Midland County grand jury and he was named an "Outstanding Citizen of Midland". Jim epitomized our Christian calling to help those in need, especially those in our own family and community.

Jim loved sports especially the University of Houston Cougars, Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys. One of his happiest experiences was attending the Rangers first World Series game in Texas, which they won!

Jim joins his beloved wife, Joanne and son, Brian in heaven.

He is survived by his daughters, Suzanne Leggett of Austin, Texas and Elizabeth Morrow of Midland, Texas; son, Chris and wife Lisa of Austin, Texas; brother, Col. Joseph B. Ameel III and wife Betty of Pacific Grove, California; grandchildren, Emily, Abby, Ryan, Annie Rose, Alexandra, Luke Henry and Elias.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Ann's Catholic Church, 1906 West Texas Ave., in Midland on Monday, November 3, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. A vigil rosary will be held at Ellis Funeral Home, 801 Andrews Hwy., on Sunday, November 2, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

Jim will be laid to rest next to Joanne at the Texas Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas on Monday, November 10, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to St. Vincent de Paul Society, PO Box 711, Midland 79702 or Midland Area Aids Support (MAAS) 3504 Boyd Ave., Midland 79707.

You will remain in our hearts always. Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com