James Lloyd Sebolt

James Lloyd Sebolt, 68, of Odessa, Texas, passed away on January 21, 2026, at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa. James was born on August 2, 1957, in San Angelo, Texas, to Thomas Lloyd and Bertha Mae (Hettenbach) Sebolt. He later made Odessa his home, where he built a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others. On April 8, 1977, he married Rebecca Lynn (Greathouse) Sebolt in Odessa, Texas. She was the love of his life and his soulmate, and their bond was one of deep devotion, partnership, and enduring love. From a young age, James lived with curiosity and determination. A lifelong Boy Scout, he carried those values into adulthood, becoming a true "jack of all trades" - often lovingly compared to MacGyver for his ability to fix or figure out just about anything. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, driving, and most especially riding his Harley, a passion he held close until he was no longer able. James was a proud mama's boy through and through, sharing a special bond with his mother, Bertha Mae, who always held him close to her heart and often called him her favorite. That deep love and loyalty shaped the man he became - compassionate, protective, and devoted to the people he loved. James never met a stranger. Known for his late-night phone calls and his role as the "master of the 2 a.m. call," he was always there when someone needed advice, encouragement, or simply a listening ear. He was a devoted mentor, a steady presence, and a deeply godly, God-fearing man who lived his faith through his actions. Above all, James loved his children and grandchildren fiercely. His pride in his family was evident to anyone who knew him, and his legacy lives on through the many lives he shaped with wisdom, humor, and unconditional love. James is survived by his loving wife, Rebecca Lynn (Greathouse) Sebolt; his four children: James Russell Sebolt; Serena Sebolt (Buster Chatham); Kat Elaine Ray (Brandon Galindo); and Shyann Mancha (Ramon). He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren: Nicholas James Sebolt; James Christian Sebolt (Myra); Haley Briann Sebolt; Audra Sebolt McFadden (Ben); Makayla Lynn Benavidez (Jose Estrella); Alyssa Rain Sebolt (Sam Brown); Elijah James Sebolt Ray; Yazlynn Navaeh Mancha; Izadiah Juelz Carrera; Athena Jennuine Carrera; Ramon Mancha III; Ramsey James Mancha; and Hazeley Maria James Mancha. James was blessed with six great-grandchildren: Mia Jeanette Sebolt; Mya Juliette Sebolt; Samuel Levi Brown; Dylan James McFadden; Alaia Lilly Estrella; and Christian James Sebolt. He is also survived by his siblings: Robert Sebolt (Gloria); Ellen Smith; Linda Tuck (Terry); and Barbara Richardson (William); his sister-in-law, Tommie Sebolt; his lifelong best friend, Tommy Ahrlett; along with numerous bonus children and grandchildren who knew him as family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bertha Mae (Hettenbach) Sebolt and Thomas Lloyd Sebolt, and by his siblings Larry Sebolt, Sharon Dutch, and Carolyn Massey. A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at American Heritage Funeral Home, with burial immediately following at American Heritage Cemetery. James's life was one of faith, service, and deep love. Though he will be dearly missed, his spirit and the lessons he shared will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know him.

Tributes

James Lloyd Sebolt

August 2, 1957 - January 21, 2026