James Lawrence Padgett

James Lawrence Padgett, 73, of Amarillo went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, September 6, 2022.

Memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday September 12, 2022 at Southwest Church of Christ in Amarillo, 4515 Cornell St. with Kyle Wade and Charles Stevenson officiating. Honorary pallbearers are Brent Adams, John Murdock, Cecil Norris, Willie Hines, Greg Hernandez, James Wilson, Michael Lee, Nat Willis and Charlie Lee. Arrangements are by Schooler Funeral Home.

James was born November 3, 1948 in Amarillo, TX and was raised as an only child, adopted at birth by Fred and Ostine Hynson Padgett. His biological mother was Iva Sutterfield. James attended Estacado High School in Lubbock and graduated in 1969. In high school, he raised pigs and was active in FFA. After graduation, James joined the Marine Corp on July 1, 1969. He served in Vietnam from January 1970 to January 1971. He was then stationed at Camp Pendleton in California and Camp Lejeune North Carolina. James was Honorably Discharged in 1973.

Upon James arrival home from Vietnam, he was married to Charla Smith on January 16, 1971 in Lubbock. James dedicated his life to the Lord on May 8, 1972 at the Vista Church of Christ while stationed in California. After his Honorable Discharge from the Marine Corps, they made their home in Lubbock, where a daughter and son, Ponda and Cody were born. The family then moved to Wyoming, residing there for 5 years. James worked as a roustabout foreman. He loved Wyoming ~ the people, hunting, fishing and being outdoors.

When the oil industry declined the family moved back to Lubbock where he became very involved in church ministry. They attended South Plains Church of Christ where he was active in the Angel Food Ministry, benevolence program and with the single moms.

Upon retirement, James and Charla moved to Amarillo to be close to their daughter and her husband and their children. In Amarillo, they attend the Southwest Church of Christ. James also became active in the Legion Project, helping men who are released from prison re-enter society.

James is survived by Charla, his wife of 51 years; his daughter and son-in-law, Ponda and Lorin Chandler and their children Dyllon and Kylie, of Amarillo; his son and daughter in law, Cody and Amy Padgett and their children Haiden and Hudson; his cousin ‘sister’ and her husband, Mimi and David Madden and their children Paula, Bubba and Darrell; and by his youngest biological brother, Harvey Bennett of California.

James is preceded in death by his parents; and by his biological brothers and sisters, Lucille, Billy, Carl, Gladys, Dolores and Sue.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to: Veterans Resource Center, 800 S, Rusk, Amarillo, TX 79106.