James Robert Monroe

James Robert Monroe, 88, of Midland, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home on June 29, 2026. James was born on October 5, 1937, in Talpa, Texas, to James and Eunice (Stewart) Monroe. On June 14, 1957, he married the love of his life, Annette Buffaloe, in Midland, Texas. Together they built a life centered on love, faithfulness, and family. In 1972, James and Annette opened Monroe Auto Supply, a family business they proudly operated until their retirement in 1996. James will be remembered as a kind, gentle man who never judged others. He had a steady spirit and a deep love for his family, who were always the greatest joy of his life. In his younger years, James was an avid hiker and explorer, spending countless hours traveling through places like Big Bend and Black Gap, often venturing where few others could go. He also spent many years on arrowhead hunts that covered a vast area throughout the Permian Basin. His knowledge was remarkable-he could often identify the age and maker of an arrowhead simply by its shape and craftsmanship. He loved exploring old abandoned buildings and searching for forgotten pieces of history, creating treasured memories with those he loved. One of his most memorable discoveries was an ancient Native American burial site along the Midland Draw toward Stanton. The discovery was later donated to the research division of the Texas Tech University Museum of Texas Tech Arts and Sciences. James also looked forward to Monroe family reunions, where time spent together meant more to him than anything else. As his health declined, his favorite place was the room in his home affectionately known as the "Monroe Museum," surrounded by the artifacts and keepsakes collected during a lifetime of adventures. Those pieces represented not only history, but the many stories and memories he cherished. He is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-nine years, Annette Monroe; his daughters, Sherry Asebedo (Sam) and Stacy Lynn Brooks, both of Midland; seven grandchildren, Jami Sutton (Matthew), David Scarberry (Jessica), Tyler Brooks (Saren), Jaycie Alford (Braden), Candi Oviedo (Julian), Marc Asebedo (Lauren), and Christopher Asebedo (Sarah); nineteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, beginning at 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at American Heritage Funeral Home. Arrangements are entrusted to American Heritage Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Hospice of Midland in honor of James and the compassionate care they provided during his final days.

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James Robert Monroe

October 5, 1937 - June 29, 2026