James Frederick DeBaere

James Frederick DeBaere, age 70 of Amarillo died March 3, 2026, in Amarillo.

A memorial service to honor his life will be on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Schooler Funeral Home, Brentwood Chapel, 4100 South Georgia. The Rev. Dale Moreland of The Church at Quail Creek will officiate.

James was born January 10, 1956, in Amarillo to his parents, Daniel and Shirley Cahlamer DeBaere. He graduated from Amarillo High School in 1974.

Throughout his life, James loved all things cars. From early Soap Box Derby races to attending NASCAR events as an adult, he had a lifelong passion for speed and auto racing of all types. His greatest regret, he often said, was selling his 1969 Z-28 Camaro — a car he truly loved.

From 1973 to 1974, James worked as a warranty clerk for Plains Chevrolet. In 1974, he began working for Montgomery Ward as a shipping and receiving clerk, where he remained for the next decade. In 1984, he started what would become a long and meaningful career with the Coca-Cola Bottling Company as a Field Service Technician, a position he faithfully held until his retirement in 2017. Retirement, however, did not last long. James was not the type to enjoy “doing nothing,” so he soon began working part-time for Swagelok, where he continued working until his passing.

James enjoyed bowling, and it was through bowling that he met Sylvia Mosley. They were members of the same mixed bowling league and dated for a short time before marrying on March 30, 1991, in Las Vegas.

Together, James and Sylvia continued to enjoy bowling and shared many adventures. They spent three wonderful weeks in Hawaii and later took a memorable trip to Alaska. James’s love of travel began early in life as well, often accompanying his sister and her family—and sometimes friends—on many adventures over the years.

Above all else, James treasured the time he spent with those he loved. Whether traveling, bowling, attending races, or simply sharing stories and laughter, he valued the moments spent with family and friends.

James was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jeffrey Wayne DeBaere; his sister Susan Elizabeth DeBaere; and his beloved Sylvia just a few short months ago, on November 2, 2025.

He is survived by his sister, Catherine “Cathy” Prosser and her husband Randy of Canyon; and by his niece and nephew, Michelle Dedrick and her husband Dale and Michael Prosser and his wife Veronica all of Amarillo.