James Farrel Autrey, 59, of Eula, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, February 16, 2026.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 20, 2026, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home in Abilene, Texas, with his uncle, James "Bud" Boatman, officiating. A private scattering of his ashes will take place at a later time.

James was born on February 24, 1966, in Snyder, Texas, to Dean and Emmett Autrey. He graduated from Paducah High School in 1984 and later went on to serve his country in the United States Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Reserves.

After his time in the Marines, he moved to Sweetwater, Texas, where he met his future wife, Melissa Autrey. Together, James and Melissa shared a daughter, Staci Rodriguez, and though their paths later changed, they remained dear friends until his passing.

James and his family later moved to Abilene. In 1992, he began his electrical career as an apprentice electrician with Key City Electric. Over the next 17 years, he worked diligently to master his trade, earning his journeyman electrician's license and eventually becoming part owner of Key City Electric. He remained with the company until it was sold in 2009 following the retirement of its primary owner.

Although he was no longer with Key City Electric after the sale, James remained in Abilene and continued working as a journeyman electrician for several local companies. No matter where he worked, his customers found him. They followed him from one company to another-not because of the company name, but because they knew James would do the job right, with honesty, integrity, and pride in his work.

Though James was an electrician by trade, he was truly a skilled and capable man-a fixer of all things with a servant's heart. There wasn't much he couldn't repair, and if something was broken, he would find a way to make it right.

His greatest joys in life were his daughter and his three grandchildren. Whether it was a ballgame or a performance, he was there, wearing the biggest smile and cheering louder than anyone in the crowd. You always knew exactly whose Pe-Paw he was.

He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, loyalty, and love that will carry on through his family.

James was preceded in death by his father, Emmett Autrey.

James is survived by his daughter, Staci Rodriguez, and her husband, Steven, of Abilene; their children, Jayden and Ryatt Rodriguez and Kinsley Driskill; his mother, Dean Autrey of Amarillo; his brother, David Autrey of Amarillo; his brother, Mark Autrey, and wife, Kathryn, of Amarillo; and lifelong friend Melissa Autrey of Abilene.

He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as an overwhelming number of friends whom he considered family.

In honor of his service to his country, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project. You can donate at this link:

https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=11585&ovr_acv_id=16821&campaignSource=ONLINE&source=BS26001AAABREAA&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1755672625&gbraid=0AAAAADg1Wjr8ceat7WNdM8Zg__vxk7eCO&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhtvMBhDBARIsAL26pjGGEhszdQR56GGuQclejQquyAOyAGyfHOVsvkmIZzflSlT_Lle-eGYaAlgeEALw_wcB