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Jim Tarwater Obituary

Jim Tuttle Tarwater was born July 3, 1952 in Ft. Worth, TX and finally found peace in Taos, NM March 22, 2012 at the age of 59. He was raised in Midland and was preceded in death by his parents Tom Paul and Jessalyn Tarwater of Midland, TX. He is survived by sisters Adelle Dowling and husband Paul, Debbie Owen and husband Steve, and their families. Jim was an avid skier and helped raise funds for the U.S. Ski Team. He loved the mountains where he felt most at home, especially on his land in Tres Piedras, NM. He enjoyed a variety of careers but most loved acting for the past 20 plus years. "Tarwater" as he was known to many, worked in Los Angeles before moving to a property outside of Taos where he continued his Film/TV career. He was a member of the Screen Actors Guild, appearing in numerous Walker, Texas Ranger TV series and several different movies including Appaloosa. Jim was passionate about life, his family, friends, and his dogs. He will be missed by many. "He is now restored to the man God made him to be." A Memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Midland on April 5, 2012 at 11:00 AM. Memorials can be made to the SPCA or the charity of your choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Midland Reporter-Telegram from Apr. 1 to Apr. 4, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Jim Tarwater

Not sure what to say?





Kim Huffman

March 26, 2024

Jim always had a smile and up attitude, and was always a good guy.

Kim Huffman

March 26, 2020

He was the best " Night Beat" there was with his base. Miss you "Tuttle" !

Haywood carolyn

April 11, 2012

Sorry to hear about Jim, I will miss his call, whenever he was in Midland. My prayers are with your family.

Love Carolyn S. Haywood

April 10, 2012

R.I.P My friend,glad to have been your friend.You will be missed. And to your family I send my Blessings and Prayers your way! Jan Ewing Stone

Michelle McIlvain

April 4, 2012

What I remember of Jim is how thoughtful he was to us. My Mom (M.Cynthia Skrabacz) shared a house with him and others back in Ruidoso, "Casa de Boogie" (I'm told), it was '71 or '72, I was only 5 (now 44). I told Jim when it was my Mom's birthday because she didn't say a word to anyone. He came home from work with a beautiful necklace for her...how sweet is that!! He was always very nice. Our whole family is deeply saddened (my Uncles, Mark & Daniel, too). None of us will forget him,

This is how we like to remember Jim.

Adelle Dowling

April 4, 2012

Don Rasure

April 4, 2012

I'll miss Jimmy the only word I can use for him is sweet. He was great friends with my sister Becky who is eight years older. He never treated me like I was the little brother in the way be it in Midland or Ruidoso. Our family loved the guy as did I, and will miss him-Don Rasure

Kathy Turner

April 3, 2012

I will never forget him! I pray he is at peace and living with our AWESOME Father God in Heaven! Blessings to the entire family in this time of sorrow.

Clint Adams

April 3, 2012

Adelle and Family and Debbie and Family, Words are hard to come by that truly express the sorrow we share with you at this time. Karleen and I consider it a privilege to have known Jim in his final years and know now he is pain free. We share with you the feelings of sadness at your loss and and also gratitude that knowing Jim is in a better place finding comfort and peace.

April 2, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are sent to you all.
Nancy Neill Hughes

Christi & Al Nelson

April 2, 2012

Adelle and family, may you find comfort knowing your Jim is resting in the arms of our Lord. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.

April 2, 2012

My sweet friends, I am so sorry about the loss of your precious brother. I've always admired your family from a teenager being friends with "Tar":Adelle. I loved coming over to your house and hanging out. There was just that casual comfortable atmosphere that your family produced. I love you all! Donna Becker Thomas

Tricia Golding

April 2, 2012

What a great guy from a great family! It was sure fun all growing up in the same neighborhood when we were young. Keeping all of you in my prayers.
Tricia Linehan Golding

Pam Hamilton

April 2, 2012

I considered Jim a brother I never had. I truly loved him and will miss his surprise calls, too infrequent visits to Colorado and his illustrious stories. He was taken way too early for me, but I know he is now painfree, and will be a guardian angel for me and many of his countless friends. I am making a toast of Makers Mark to Tarwater's memory!

Deena Beckett

April 2, 2012

Condolences to the Tarwater family. May God wrap his loving arms around you during your time of sorrow.

Kim Huffman

April 2, 2012

Condolences to the Tarwater family. Jim was a wonderful guy who I have known since jr high. I will remember him for his humor and friendship. RIP Jimmy

Linda Graham

April 1, 2012

My condolences to the Tarwater Family. Jim and I were in school together from 6th grade at Sam Houston until I moved after our Junior year at Lee. My family's home was across the Cowden park from the Tarwaters. Jim and I remained friends over the years; when we saw each other we always laughed and talked about growing up in Midland. I have kept up with Jim through other friends but I had not seen Jim since he was filming here in the DFW area. I will always remember Jim as my first french kiss. God's garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best. Peace be thine, sweet Jim .

April 1, 2012

My heartfelt condolences to the Tarwater family.
I have known Jim many years and will miss his sweet spirit. God Bless you all.

M.C. Skrabacz-Holiman
Santa Fe, New Mexico

Ro Thompson

April 1, 2012

My deepest condolences to the Tarwater family in this time of sorrow. Jim was a sophmore when I was a senior at Lee. Last fall while out for lunch, Retha Ketner Peterson and I ran into Jim at lunch while he was in town visiting. He spoke mostly of his acting career and it was a nice afternoon of catch up on people we mutually knew. Bless his heart. May he fly with Godspeed with the eagles on his journey forward

Jeffrey Caldwell

April 1, 2012

Condolences to the Tarwater family. Jim was a wonderful guy who I have known since 5 years old. I was his little league team batboy and spent many hours playing ball down at Cowden park. A character in life and on film. Wonderful athlete and great innovator on the ski slopes. I will remember him for his wonderful laughter. RIP Jimmy.

Cindy Zavala

April 1, 2012

Finally Jim has found peace................

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