Services were at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 12, 2009 in Greater Love Temple with the Rev. Vurn Martin officiating. Arrangements were by Warford-Walker Mortuary, 509 N. Hughes St.

James L. Penns Jr. was born to the late James Penns Sr. and Vernell Hill on January 22, 1948, in LaGrange. Mr. Penns moved in 1956 to Amarillo, where he attended North Heights Elementary, Carver Junior High School and graduated from Palo Duro High School in 1968. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the Vietnam War. Upon returning to Amarillo, he went to work for Mead’s Bakery. He later worked for Reliable Insurance Co. and then Levi Strauss. He was employed with the Amarillo Independent School District as a bus driver for more than 20 years and remained employed until his illness required him to retire.

Mr. Penns was a volunteer for Kids, Inc. as a football, T-ball, soccer and softball coach. He coached his sons in AAU summer track; he coached the women’s volleyball and softball team for Levi Strauss from 1973 to 1976, and he also assisted in coaching the Starlets Girl’s AAU basketball team.

He was a lifetime member of Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church. He served on the Usher Board, as assistant youth director and bus driver and sang in the choir. He also was a member of the Gospel Lights gospel group. He had passion and a love for singing; he once said that people should never die with a song in their head or heart that was never heard or sung. James’s deepest passion was to barbecue for family and friends.

James had a love for his family. He married Mary “Poochie” Tillman on February 27, 1971. To this union were born four children. Later in life, he met Tommie “Faye” Wilson. To this union were born five children.

He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Van Gilbreath; his grandmother, Katie Gilbreath; and a sister, LaMara Luster.

Survivors he leaves to carry on his legacy include his mother, Vernell Gilbreath; three sons, Maltan T. Penns and wife Candice, Jaremie B. Penns and James H. T. Penns, all of Amarillo; six daughters, Tasha Sims and husband Marlon, Tamesha Penns and Jemetrish “Peaches” Penns, all of Amarillo, and Mylessia Martin, Twyla Williams and husband Corey and Tarissia Martin, all of Dallas; four brothers, Edward Gilbreath and Terry Gilbreath, both of Amarillo, and Maurice Gilbreath and Orlando Gilbreath, both of Arlington; six sisters, Dorothy Conict, Pearlie Penns, Gloria Gilbreath, Beverly Gilbreath, Sheila Gilbreath and Gilda “Shan” Gilbreath, all of Amarillo; his aunts, Pearlene Taylor, Bertha Bowers, Ruby Mitchell and Herman Merritt; an uncle, B.C. Gilbreath; a special friend, Billy Joe Tharpe; 23 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.