Jimmie Joe Weatherly

Jimmie Joe Weatherly of Panhandle, Texas passed away peacefully on April 4, 2025, at the age of 97. Born on July 29, 1927, in Panhandle, Jimmie lived his entire life in the community he loved, surrounded by the people and the land that shaped his generous and joyful spirit.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Eford "Buddy" Weatherly and Essie (Fuller) Weatherly; his beloved sister Oneas and her husband Horace Booher; and his nephew Travis Booher.

Jimmie is survived by his three children: daughter Kelly Jo (Glen) Bohannon of Oakdale, CA; daughter Liz (Paul) Wittibschlager of Macedonia, OH; and son John Weatherly (Elise Amour) of San Diego, CA. He is also lovingly remembered by his five grandchildren: Corey and Brian (Kelly Jo's sons), Joree (John's son), and Ryan and Katie (Liz's children), along with eleven great-grandchildren in California and Ohio.

Jimmie dedicated 30 years of his life to the Pantex weapons assembly plant, retiring in 1989. He was revered as a fun-loving, joking, and dependable co-worker who brought levity and camaraderie to all who worked with him. He had a unique talent for storytelling, often regaling others with tales from the Great Depression, the dirty thirties, and vivid memories as a child of delivering milk, eggs, and butter with his father.

His love for the land and the people of Panhandle was deep and abiding. Jimmie enjoyed helping local farmers during harvest and lending a hand to ranchers working cattle. He had a lifelong fascination with history, particularly Native American artifacts, and loved hunting for arrowheads on the Sanford ranch. A passionate rail enthusiast, Jimmie delighted in the trains that passed through town and collected railroad memorabilia including lanterns, date nails, and books on the age of steam locomotives.

Jimmie was a cherished friend, a devoted father and grandfather, and a man whose warmth, humor, and generosity left a lasting impression on all who knew him. His stories, laughter, and steadfast friendship will be deeply missed, but forever remembered in Panhandle, where his stories began and where his memory will always live on.

A celebration of Jimmie's life will be held Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 11:00 am at The River Church, 600 Euclid Ave, Panhandle, TX 79068, under the direction of Minton Chatwell funeral directors of Panhandle, followed by a graveside service and a luncheon back at the church. Afterwords, friends and family are welcome to come over to Jimmie's house at 1405 Main St. to share their "Jimmie Joe Stories."