James Roark, Jr.

James C. Roark Jr., 74, of Sanderson, passed away on July10, 2021 in Fort Worth. He was born February 11, 1947, to James C. and Ruth (Murrah) Roark in Del Rio.

Jim grew up on his family’s ranch in Brewster County and was a true Cowboy his entire life. His first vehicle, at the age of 7, was a Willis Jeep. When he was not working on ranches in west Texas, you could find him working on a drilling rig outside Monahans or Fort Stockton. One old driller once remarked, “He was the best derrick man I ever had.” Jim knew southeastern Brewster County like no one else. Archaeologists from several universities would hire Jim to guide them on some of their digs in this area.

He did 2 tours in Vietnam serving with the 21st Infantry Division. During his enlistment, his duties included delivering messages all over base in his Army-supplied Willis Jeep. Jim was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal during his service.

Jim enjoyed chuck wagon cooking, visiting with old friends, and driving around his beloved west Texas. Jim was also a friend of Bill W since 1990.

He was a lifelong bachelor.

Jim is survived by his brothers Joe Roark (Tami) of Azle TX and George Roark (Becky) of Arlington TX; also, by his sisters Bobbie Paul (Wayne) of Midland, Kasi Brady (Don) of Paso Robles, CA, and Muriel Giddens (Allen) of Cumming, GA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Linda and Verna Roark, and his nephews Bryan Brady and Allen Giddens.

His visitation will be July 15, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at Alpine Memorial Funeral Home

Graveside Service will be held July 15, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Elm Grove Cemetery in Alpine, TX.

Online condolences may be left at www:alpinememorialfuneralhome.com

Services have been entrusted to Alpine Memorial Funeral Home in Alpine, Texas.