Jimmie Arbuckle

Our beloved Jimmie Clay Arbuckle Jr. gained his wings on August 6, 2025, with his loving family by his side.

Jimmie was born on October 22, 1957, in Muleshoe, Texas, to Jimmie Arbuckle Sr. and Claudia Arbuckle. The family later moved to Levelland, where Jimmie proudly became a big brother to Tamela “Tami” and Rhonda “Cissy” Arbuckle.

Jimmie attended Levelland High School before earning his GED and enlisting in the United States Navy in 1975. After completing boot camp in New Jersey, he served aboard the USS Midway as an aircraft firefighter. He proudly served aboard the USS Coral Sea as well. His service took him around the world — including memorable visits to Japan, Australia, Singapore and Thailand — experiences he fondly referred to as his “Asian Vacation.”

After being honorably discharged, Jimmie returned to his hometown and began working in the oilfield. From his first marriage, he became a proud father to his stepson, Kari, and his son, Joshua Clay, born in 1981.

In 1985, Jimmie enrolled at Oklahoma State University and earned a degree in Manufacturing Technology. He enjoyed dirt bike racing and co-founded a bikerhood with friends Bill Pearson and Dave Wethington. In 1992, he pursued his calling in healthcare and enrolled in the LVN program at South Plains College Levelland, graduating in 1993. Nursing became a shared legacy in his family, as he joined his sisters in the profession — something they were all proud of. He went on to work as a Revocery Nurse at South Park Hospital and held nursing positions across Texas.

Jimmie was a man of many passions: he was a Harley rider, knife maker, leather worker, gardener (in his own unique way), and a master storyteller. He especially loved attending the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota.

After his divorce, a chance meeting at a clinic where his sister Tami worked introduced him to Dominga Hernandez. Their shared love of music, movies, travel, and great conversation sparked a connection. They were married at the courthouse in October 2005 and again in a church ceremony at Our Lady of Grace in August 2006, after Jimmie completed his Sacraments and joined the Catholic Church. Their blended family came to include Lesley and Johnny Picon and, later, Daniel Arbuckle.

Though diabetes eventually kept him from riding his bike, it never stopped Jimmie from sharing stories of his travels, cracking a dirty joke, or cheering on contestants during Jeopardy! — all while enjoying time with his family and a cold can of Dr. Pepper.

Jimmie is survived by his loving wife, Dominga; children Joshua, Lesley, Johnny, and Daniel; his sister Cissy; and his aunt, Jacque McNabb Ricter. His beloved grandchildren Emery, Draco and Vivia Picon will miss their Pawpaw the most. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who affectionately called him “Tattoo” or “Jim Uncle,” as well as numerous in-laws, friends, and chosen family who will deeply miss his warmth, humor, and legendary stories.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Jimmie Clay Sr. and Claudia Arbuckle; his sister, Tami Arbuckle; his stepson, Kari Von Cross; and his in-laws, Roy and Lupe Hernandez.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Bridge Hospice for their compassion and care as well as his caregiver Tonisa at Cornerstone.