Jimi Vivens

JIMI VIVENS OBITUARY

Jimi Vivens – a dedicated son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend of many -- passed away on January 27, 2024, at the age of 68 in Amarillo surrounded by his family.  Jimi was born on August 14, 1955, in Turkey, Texas, to his parents Robert and Carrie Vivens.  He graduated from Turkey High School where he was raised on music of Bob Wills and the support that comes when living in a small community where neighbors look after each other.

Jimi was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Billy Vivens.  He is survived by his 7 sisters and brother: Kathy Watson (Hollis) Ann Jackson, Carrie Thompson (Leroy), Bobbie Torrence (Lee), Elaine Vivens, Doris Vivens, and Sharon Towner; and brother, Mitchell Vivens along with Uncle Sang and extended East Texas Family.

He will be missed by his 16 nieces and nephews: Brian Watson (Stefanie), Angela Taylor (Frank), Staci Jackson, Michelle Savage, Katrina Thompson Cude (Joel), Benjamin Torrence, David Torrence (Courtney), Billy Don Vivens (Clarissa) and  Buddy Vivens,  John Mark Vivens (Hillarey), Rhyse Vivens, Courtney Morgan (David), Auriell Towner, Myriah Towner, Brice Vivens, and Dr. Micah Vivens as well as many loving great nieces and nephews, extended family and lifelong friends.

Jimi was one with nature and God.  He was a true farmer and loved working with his hands and physically building a life he loved as he watched the seeds planted in the lives of people or the land grow.  Through his life, you were able to understand a life of simplicity and God’s love. Everyone who knew Jimi felt his big heart and giving nature.  He was a stranger to no one, and found great purpose sharing in the successes, joys, and challenges of those around him. Jimi was wholeheartedly there for those in his life – young or old.

Jimi fully enjoyed what he did and those he met. He made the time to show up for everyone who reached out, providing caring, trustworthy, and sound counsel through his “Jimi-isms” and his faith. He simply wanted to brighten lives and that he surely did through scholarships provided to FFA students as well as serving as a board member of the Texas Braunvieh Association.

Through the years, Jimi enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with his friends.  He loved cooking for family and friends and was known for his fish fry events. He was also a huge fan of family gatherings, a time he enjoyed connecting with his siblings and their families to honor a promise made to mom “to take care of each other.”

Memorial Celebration Service at 11:00 am at Trinity Fellowship North Ministry Center, 5000 Hollywood Rd, Amarillo Tx 79118.  Family and friends are invited to share their stories and special memories about Jimi.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in the name of Jimi Vivens to one of the following organizations:

Black Farmer Stories, https://www.blackfarmerstories.com/donate

Texas Braunvieh Association Scholarship Fund, Texas Braunvieh Scholarship or c/o Dina Ferguson, P. O. Box 781248, San Antonio, TX  78278.

T he Sun Has Set on the Fields” Author Unknown

The sun has set on the fields,

The day is done and gone,

The crops are all harvested,

And the work is finally done.

The farmer's work is never done,

But now he can rest in peace,

For he has left behind a legacy,

That will never cease.

He tended to the land with care,

And watched his crops grow tall,

He worked from dawn till dusk,

And never once did he fall.

Now he's gone to greener pastures,

Where the fields are always green,

And the sun shines bright and warm,

On the most beautiful scene.

So let us say goodbye to him,

And remember all he's done,

For he was a farmer through and through,

And his legacy will live on.