Jimmy Dale Stockton

Jimmy Dale Stockton was born on March 12, 1933 to Ernest (Pete) and Mattie (Leab) Stockton in Quitaque, TX. He died on June 8, 2020. Jim attended schools in Portales, New Mexico. On April 29, 1950 he was married to Wanda Faye Rogers in Portales, New Mexico. Jim worked for years with his Dad and brother managing cotton gins, but his heart was in ranching.  They moved to Larque Camp in the early 1960’s where Jim worked for the Matador Cattle Company.  He advanced in the company and managed the ranch for several years before leaving to work for the State of Texas as Motley County Trapper. He loved horses and cattle and had both for as long as he was able to take care of them.  Jim had a special love for cutting horses and won buckles, bits, and spurs when he competed in cutting horse competitions.  When he could no longer get on his horse, he would have Wanda pull the pickup alongside and he’d climb on from the pickup bed.  When he was unable to ride anything but the pickup, he enjoyed driving out to the Matador’s or to Brad Baxter’s to watch the horses. He and Wanda moved to the city limits of Matador after retiring. This was quite a transition for both of them as they had always lived in the country. 

Jim is survived by his daughters, Debra Spray and Joel and Glenda Williams and Rodney, sisters-in-law Christene Merrick of Portales, New Mexico and Velma Rowlett of Carlsbad, New Mexico. He is survived by grandchildren Brandee Smith and Tyler, Lyndee Ward and Tim, Lindsey Westbrook, and Kristi Salinas and Angelo. Great grandchildren are Leanne Jameson, Jamie Jameson, Jade Bennett, Bryce Bennett, Timothy Ward, Catherine Ward, Chris Ward, Trinity Ward, Jordan Ward, Andrew Westbrook, Randa Westbrook, Kingston Salinas and Austin Salinas. He has one great-great grandson, Gus Fox. He has many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Mattie Stockton, his wife, Wanda, his daughter Billie Stockton Smith and his brother, Freddy Stockton. 

Graveside services will be on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at East Mound Cemetery in Matador with James Palmer officiating. Pallbearers will be Joel Spray, Rodney Williams, Tim Ward, Tyler Smith, Angelo Salinas, Jamie Jameson, Chris Ward and Andrew Westbrook.  Honorary pallbearers are Bryce Bennett and Timothy Ward.

Memorials can be sent to Matador Senior Citizens who kept him fed until he was no longer able to stay at his home, and Motley County Library which kept him in reading material. He was an avid reader until he became unable to see.