James “Jamey” L Lucas, Jr. left this worldly plane on June 9th of 2023 surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Texarkana – sadly on the Arkansas side – on April 19th, 1951 to Jim and Poddy Lucas. He was the oldest of four boys. He graduated from Lee High School in Midland, Texas in 1969 and attended Texas Christian University where he received his B.A. He pursued a variety of occupational endeavors. Jamey was everything from an aspiring teacher to the co-founder of oil and gas companies. A cherished mark in his career was being the first landman hired in over a decade by Phillips Petroleum Company, in 1974.
Jamey was a man who lived life fully and did so on his own accord. He never met a stranger, was a mentor to many, lover of most, and carried the Lucas name well. Those he encountered respected the fact they knew where they stood with him because of his transparency with his opinions. It took a lot to get on his bad side and not many landed there.
Jamey was a past President and continued to be an active member of the Exchange Club of Midland, part of the TCU Lettermen’s Association, and a founding member of the Tall City Blues Society.
He was a fan of the Frogs and the color purple: “Riff Ram Bah Zoo” – if you don’t know, call his nephew Garrett. He loved games and using his imagination, created his own figurines, and bonded with people, kids, and grandkids in the form of fantasy. He’s the kind of person you want to have on your trivia team because of his plethora of knowledge, but you’d never want to play poker with him.
Jamey’s appreciation for the arts, philosophy, theology, and nature – specifically the nature in Eldorado, Texas at the 7J Ranch – was deeply rooted. He was an aficionado of all forms of music, as long as it was made from the heart. At fourteen, he was in his first band, the Nitebeats. He began as a drummer and then started learning to play on a right-handed guitar as a left-handed player. Jamey was an observer and facilitator of all things nature, but don’t ask him to jump into a lake. He was an excellent cook and often called “chef” by those who loved him as they tried to help him in the kitchen.
He is survived by: his wife Brenda; his brothers Paul and wife Susan, Tim and wife Julie; his children Jessica, Joe and his spouse Jessica, Erin, and Madelyn; his grandchildren Hailey, Bennett, and Eleanor; as well as many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Jim and Poddy Lucas as well as his brother Tom Jack.
The family would like to give thanks to: Gilbert at Midland Medical Lodge, the oncology nurses at Midland Memorial Hospital, and Misty, his Interim Healthcare Hospice nurse. They would also like to share their gratitude for Larry Click, Andrew Jackson, and all of the friends that have supported and helped the family during this difficult time. Lastly, they send their appreciation for The Hemingway and the “Safety Meetings” that supported his love of all things cigar, whiskey, and wine.
A small celebration of life will happen Wednesday June 14th, 2023 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm at Manny’s Italian Village in Midland, Texas. The full memorial service will occur later in the year and the family will announce those details. In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations to the First Presbyterian Church of Eldorado, Texas or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.
