James David Schooley

James David Schooley passed away in Lubbock, Texas on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on April 10, 1954. His parents were Jim and Frances (Armstrong) Schooley, who preceded him in death. David grew up in Jal, NM and graduated from Jal High School in 1972. He loved his home town and knew quite a bit about its history. After High School, David went to Odessa College and was hired as a campus police officer there in 1973. In 1974 he joined the Jal Police Department and was employed there until 1977 when he went to work for El Paso Natural Gas. While with El Paso, he transferred to Farmington, New Mexico and later to El Paso, Texas. But David's true love was law enforcement and he moved back to Jal in 1979 when he learned of an opening with the Lea County Sheriff's Office. Being the resident deputy in Jal suited him well. However, he transferred to Lovington, NM when he married Donna Sue Byrd in 1994. He retired from the Sheriff's Office in December, 2001. He also worked part-time for the Sheriff's Office for a few years after retirement.
Daived is survived by his wife: Donna; his step-daughter: Jennifer Dixon (Mike); granddaughter: Mackenzie Lementino (Len); grandson: Chance Dixon (Sydney); great-grandchildren: Cameron and Caden Lementino; his is also survived by his sister: Jan Mocho (Pete); niece Megan Mocho and her children: Evie and Ethan; and niece Jennifer Mocho.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Kirby-Ratliff Funeral Home Chapel in Lovington, NM. Burial will follow at Lovington Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to www.kirbysmithrogers.com.