Jimmy "J.R." Ray Messer

Jimmy Ray Messer, known to many as J.R., passed away peacefully at home on March 13, 2025, with his beloved wife by his side. He was 76 years old.

Visitation will be held from 2-3 PM, Sunday, March 16, 2025, at Boxwell Brothers in Amarillo. Funeral Service will be at 2 PM Monday, March 17, 2025, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel at 2800 Paramount Blvd., Amarillo, Texas. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

J.R. was born on August 20, 1948, in Memphis, Texas, to Carl and Cleta Messer. A proud veteran, he served in the United States Army for eight years.

In September 1967, J.R. met the love of his life, Marva Rae Turner. Their love story quickly unfolded, and they were married on December 30, 1967. Together, they built a beautiful life, raising five children: Tanya, Lance, Vance, Jimmy, and Damon.

For 23 years, J.R. dedicated himself to his work at Plains Chevrolet, where he was respected for his hard work and integrity. Outside of work, he had a deep love for the outdoors, spending countless hours hunting, fishing, and camping. He was also an avid NASCAR fan, but perhaps his greatest joy came from coaching his children in sports, always their biggest supporter on and off the field. J.R. also had a special place in his heart for his fur babies, Prissy and Pepper, who were his loyal companions and brought him endless joy.

J.R. was preceded in death by his mother, Cleta Foster Viall; his father, Carl Messer; his brothers, David and Bobby Messer; his son, Damon Messer; his son-in-law, Shane Colliflower; and his granddaughter, Karlee Messer.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marva Rae Messer, and his children: Tanya Johnson (Bruce), Lance Messer (Amanda), Vance Messer (Tiffany), and Jimmy “Bo” Messer (Crystal). He was a proud grandfather to: Krista Myers (Jason), Lyndsey Brewer, Jori Brewer, Lauren Putnam (Hayden), Brandon Colliflower, Jordin Messer, Berkley Messer, Kailee Penn, Troy Messer, Garrett Messer (Brittany), Colton Beaty, Jacob Beaty, Macie Messer, Ashton Messer, Breylynn Messer (Santiago), Dadriahna Messer, Shiloh Messer, John Stacy, Felicity Garza (Anthony), Kelsey Messer (Dalton), Nikki Hester, Paisley Messer, and a beloved great-grandfather to: Kaylee, Jacob, Kenzie, Blaise, Blake, Cannin, Paige, Grayson, Lincoln, Kylie, Gunner, Gideon, Oaklee, Ryder, Jayvion, Londyn, Loni, Lela, and Aliyah.

J.R.’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.