April 5,1946 ~ Aug 17,2026
James Bryan Wagley, 80, of Amarillo, Texas, entered eternal life on Monday, August 17,2026, surrounded by his loving wife and family.
He was born on April 5, 1946, in Clovis, New Mexico to Comma Carlin (C.C.) and Lyneva Wagley. Growing up, James worked on the family farm alongside his five Siblings. His parents instilled the standard of hard work and that strong work ethic stayed with James throughout his life. He was very proud of his heritage and his family roots. He was a man that believed in the value of keeping your word and that a handshake was as good as a signed contract.
In 1965, James graduated from Melrose High School, and soon after enlisted in the United States Army. He served from 1965 to 1968 fighting in the Vietnam War. James was proud of his military service and how' it shaped his life. One of his greatest joys was reconnecting with his fellow Vietnam service buddies later in life.
On September 28,1968, James married his beloved wife, Billie Jean Wilson, in Anadarko, Oklahoma. Together, they raised their three children - Tonya, Terri, and Bryan - on their family farm in Forrest, NM. They worked hard to give their children better opportunities in life and celebrated their children’s life achievements as if they were their own.
From 1970 to 1997, James worked for the New Mexico Highway Department in Ragland while continuing to farm. He enjoyed teaching his children to raise show animals and volunteering as a firefighter for the community fire department. In 2004 James and his family moved to Amarillo, Texas.
Even after retirement James hated to stay idle, He enjoyed growing vegetables in his garden and tinkering in his garage. His wife, Billie even managed to convert him into an OU Sooner football fan. One of his favorite titles was that of “Papa” to his grandchildren. The love he poured out on them and the rest of the family will carry forth as treasured memories.
Above all, James was a caring, hospitable soul. He offered what he could, and he, alongside Billie, made sure that friends, family, and even strangers, had what they needed. Anyone who entered their home could be sure they would be welcomed with open arms. He will be remembered for his playful sense of humor, big heart, and generosity.
Those left to carry on his legacy are his beloved wife, Billie Jean Wagley; daughter, Terri Chavez and spouse, Matthew of Amarillo, Texas; son, Bryan Wagley and wife, Ashlee of Amarillo, Texas; five grandchildren, Cory Weedn, Lucas Chavez, Ryan Chavez and Marques Aragon of Amarillo, Texas along with Melanee Aragon of Pensacola, Florida. One brother, John Wagley and wife, Bobbie of Littlefield, Texas; sister, Carlin Wagley Gates of Levelland, Texas; two brothesr-in-Iaw, Wayne Wilson and wife, Anna Sue of Anadarko, Oklahoma, and Samuel Wilson of Anadarko, Oklahoma; three sisters-in-law, Debbie Cox and husband, Kenneth of Pep, New Mexico, Sharia Wilson Gabales of Anadarko, Oklahoma, and Lita Wilson of Anadarko, Oklahoma; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.
James was preceded in death by his daughter, Tonya Weedn; parents, Comma and Lyneva Wagley; and two brothers, Buzz Wagley and Scott Wagley.
Funeral Services were held Saturday afternoon, August 22, 2026, at Family Life Church at 3900 SW 58th Avenue, Amarillo, Texas 79110 with Pastor Robbie Ashlock officiating.
Interment was at 3:00 p.m. Mountain time in Beevers Cemetery in Forrest, New Mexico. Serving as pallbearers will be Bryan Wagley, Matthew Chavez, Cory Weedn, Ryan Chavez, Lucas Chavez, and Marques Aragon.
Arrangements were under the personal care of Hillcrest Funeral Home in Littlefield, Texas.