Jimmy Don McNeil

Jimmy Don McNeil of Odessa Texas, passed away on Monday June 17, 2024, at the age of 84.

 Funeral services for family and friends will be held at Sunset Memorial Garden and Funeral Home in Odessa, Texas on Friday June 21, 2024, at 10:00AM.

 Jimmy was born in Carlsbad, NM on August 5, 1939. He spent his childhood in Clint, Texas and later moved to Pecos, TX where he met the mother of his children Bobbie Blalock. Together, they raised their three children Lezlie, JimBob, and Vance on their farm west of Pecos.

 Jimmy was a true cattleman that was well respected by all in the livestock industry. The 1970’s brought significant challenges for Jimmy and his family as droughts, a bear cattle market, and skyrocketing natural gas threatened the viability of his operation in Pecos. However, his resourcefulness and determination saw him through it. Jimmy diversified his cattle operation, introducing new revenue streams attending auctions and trading cattle from California to Oklahoma. Eventually he moved to Presidio, Texas where he began crossing cattle at the port in Ojinaga, Mexico to America for 25 plus years. At its peak he was crossing thousands of yearlings a day and shipping across the country.

 Beyond his dedication to cattle ranching, Jimmy had a passion for rodeo and livestock shows and how it teaches hard work, determination, and honesty. Jimmy’s enthusiasm for both sports was infectious and his children quickly adopted his love for them. Family gatherings often centered around discussions on horses, stock show animals, or rodeo and Jimmy always offering his guidance and encouragement. His grandchildren, inspired by his dedication and expertise, excelled in these sports, winning events numerous times. Watching his family succeed at these events filled Jimmy with joy and satisfaction. Jimmy’s pride was his family. He saw his grandchildren and great grandchildren as a continuation of the family tradition that combined a love for livestock and rodeo. His teachings and values were passed down, creating a legacy that will endure for many generations. His life story is a testament to the power of dedication, determination, and family values.

 Jimmy is survived by his sons Jimbob McNeil and wife Leslie, Vance McNeil and Amber, daughter Lezlie Yurrita and husband Enrique, grandchildren, Taryn Smith and husband Fletch, Jordan Agar and husband Gary, Connor McNeil and wife Taylor, Cade McNeil, Marlea McNeil, Bryce Davis and wife Katie, Sterling Yurrita and wife Kalli, Shyanne Yurrita and seven great grandchildren, Suttyn, Sawyer, Andi, Arch, Lilly, Ty and Sage.

 Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents Rounder and Florence McNeil, siblings Jackie, Yuvonne, William, Floyd and granddaughter Samantha Davis.

 Pallbearers will be Bryce Davis, Sterling Yurrita, Connor McNeil, Cade McNeil, Fletch Smith and Gary Agar.

 The family would like to express their gratitude towards MCH of Odessa staff, Jaimie Shimanek and Star Hospice. And his caregivers Manuela and Rita Lujan.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to West of the Pecos Museum.

 ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away’ – Revelation 21:4