Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities

Looney, J.W. (Jimmie)

J.W. (Jimmie) Looney, 72, of Portales died Wednesday, June 7, 2006, at Heartland Continuing Care Center in Portales.

He was born Sept. 15, 1933, in Mobeetie, Texas, to Ira Lee and C. E. Looney.

He worked on ranches and competed as a bronc rider in rodeos before coming to Portales about 1950. At 17, he began his truck-driving career with Kenneth Herbert Lumber. He married Cleta Jo Nixon on March 8, 1965. From 1966 until 1979, he drove for Welch Trucking. In the mid-1970s and again in the early 1980s, he and his wife also ran a service station. In 1982 he began driving for Southwest Canners, but retired in 1989 when he became disabled as a result of a fall at work.

Family members said he enjoyed traveling in his RV and fishing, as well as riding motorcycles. He played the guitar and played in numerous bluegrass festivals, they said. He was a member of the Trinity Family Center in Portales.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two grandsons, Robert and Jeff Hancock.

Survivors include his wife of Portales; sons, Jimmy Looney (and wife, Brenda) and “Dink” Looney (Susan), all of Portales; two stepsons, James Nixon (Lydia) of Bertram, Texas, and Joe Nixon of Portales; daughter, Twana Hancock (Floyd) of Portales; two stepdaughters, Kaila Nixon and Denise Nixon (and fiance, Don Wiley), all of Portales; 24 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Sherman Looney of Lovington.

The Revs. Kelly Fulfer and Don Hay will officiate.

Burial will be in Portales Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Josh Short, Nick Nixon, Micah Short, Floyd Hancock, Dearil Looney Jr. and Jimmie Looney Jr.

All of his other grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be honorary pallbearers.

Arrangements are by Wheeler Mortuary of Portales.

 
 
Rendered 03/25/2024 12:34