Jimmy Clarence Vanlandingham

Dumas/Spearman, Texas — Jimmy Clarence Vanlandingham, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and dedicated oil field professional, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the age of 80. Jimmy was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1944, in Dumas, Texas, to J.C. and Sadie Vanlandingham.

Viewing will be on Wednesday, December 10,2025, (2:00p.m. – 9:00p.m.) and Thursday, December 11, 2025, from (9:00a.m. – 9:00p.m.) with a family visitation from (7:00 pm. – 9:00p.m.) at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home in Spearman.  Funeral services will be on Friday, December 12,2025 at the First Assembly of God Church in Spearman at 2:00p.m. with John Rodgers officiating.  Burial will follow with Military Honors at Hansford Cemetery.  Arrangements are under the direction of Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home of Spearman.

Life and Service

Jimmy spent his early years living in the Carbon Black camps between Dumas and Sunray. After his family relocated to Sunray, he graduated from Sunray High School in 1963. While attending South Plains Jr. College, he met the love of his life, Gail Collins. Jimmy and Gail were united in marriage on July 2, 1965.

Shortly after their marriage, Jimmy joined the Air Force and was stationed at Dover Air Force Base. He served with the 436 Military Airlift Command, working as a highly skilled fuel specialist responsible for aircraft refueling and quality control.

In 1969, Jimmy was honorably discharged from the Air Force, and he and Gail eventually made their home in Spearman, Texas. Jimmy began a 37-year career in the oil field, first employed by Diamond Shamrock as a pumper before retiring from British Petroleum in 2007. Jimmy took immense pride in his work; his lease sites were legendary for their smooth roads, immaculate upkeep, lack of weeds, and tank batteries meticulously maintained in the signature white and green of Diamond Shamrock.

A Life of Faith and Adventure

Jimmy was actively involved in his church, the First Assembly of God Church in Spearman, where he served faithfully as church secretary and a long-time board member.

Retirement provided Jimmy with more time for his two greatest joys: watching his grandchildren in their various activities and fishing. He also enjoyed working part-time at B & B until 2024.

Jimmy and Gail shared a deep love of travel. When their children were young, Jimmy drove them on memorable trips to see sites like Mt. Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Giant Sequoias, Yellowstone National Park, and the Grand Teton National Park. In retirement, their adventures continued, including trips to see the Fall Foliage in New England, the volcanoes in Hawaii, and two trips to Alaska. Above all, his favorite destination was his cousin's cabin in Cimarron Canyon, New Mexico, where he spent at least one weekend a year fishing for trout at Eagle's Nest Lake and exploring nearby Red River with his family.

Jimmy is preceded by his parents, J.C. and Sadie Vanlandingham. and his sister, Linda Ray.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Gail Vanlandingham.  His legacy continues through his children.  His son, Jeff Vanlandingham and wife Suzy of Liberal, Kansas and his daughter, Kathy Stephenson and husband Robert of Round Rock, Texas.  He leaves behind five beloved grandchildren and their spouses: Chelsea and Timothy McWilliams, Collin and Elin Vanlandingham, Josh and Aly Stephenson, Juli and Davis Warren, and Jacob and Noemi Stephenson,  Jimmy was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Mandy Holland, Jeremiah McWilliams, James Vanlandingham, Milo Stephenson, Reagan Warren, and Dominic Stephenson, and anticipates the arrival of one more great-granddaughter due in April.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jimmy's name to the First Assembly of God Church, Spearman, Texas.