James Edward Altman

James Edward Altman, 84, of Levelland passed away on May 18, 2022.  Visitation will be on Thursday, May 26, 2022, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Krestridge Funeral Home.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, May 27, 2022, in the Krestridge Funeral Home Chapel.  Interment will follow in the City of Lubbock Cemetery.

He was born September 7, 1937 to James Richard Altman and Mary Almeda Altman.  James graduated from Meadow High School in 1956. He married Margaret Worsham on August 13, 1959 and they made their home in Lubbock. 

James worked as a welder at Clark Equipment and served in the National Guard.  He always had a dream to farm, so he moved his wife and 5 children around until they eventually moved to Plains, Texas in 1972.  Although farming didn’t work out, Plains was home for the next 38 years. 

While in Plains, James owned and operated Plains Welding Service until he retired.  He also received his pilot’s license while in Plains.  A few years later, James and Margaret owned and operated Altman Cleaners and Plains Motel.

James loved deer hunting and fishing.  He and the family enjoyed camping trips in the summer.  James really loved to take the grandkids fishing. 

He and some friends put together a western swing band and called themselves “The Country Gentle Men”.  Later they became “The Chaparrells” and finally “Under the Double Eagle Band”.  They were mostly self-taught weekend musicians who played at senior citizen centers and other events throughout West Texas and Eastern New Mexico.  Every April he and the band attended the Bob Wills Days in Turkey, Texas.

For over 20 years, James was in charge of arranging musicians to entertain at the annual Watermelon Roundup in Plains where his band, “Under the Double Eagle” performed.  James emceed the event along with John Robison.

After retirement, James started taking music classes at South Plains College where he was fondly known as Pops. He played bass guitar for the western swing ensemble.  During this time, he also enjoyed working on the small family farm.

In 2010, James and Margaret moved to Levelland where he continued farming and attending South Plains College.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Margaret Altman; father, James R. Altman; mother, Mary A. Forbus; step-father, Bud Forbus; sister, Sue Forbus; and brother, Jimmy Altman.

James is survived by his children, Denisa Hagg and husband Albert of Nunn, Colorado, Alan Altman and wife Angie of Lubbock, Carol Lawson and husband Alton of Levelland, Dana Davis and husband Terry of Fort Stockton, and James D. Altman and wife Amanda of Levelland; half-brother, Randy Forbus and wife Rebecca of Plains; 12 grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Krestridge Funeral Home.  (806) 897-1111