Jackie Lynn Daves, 82, passed away on Aug. 5, 2026, in Amarillo, Texas. He was born Aug. 2, 1944, in Wellington, Texas, to Royce Lee Daves and Louella Dobbs Daves.
Shortly after Jackie was born, the family moved to Wheeler, Texas, and later returned to Wellington when he was in fifth grade. From a young age, Jackie loved sports and excelled in basketball, football, and especially tennis. His classmates recognized his talent, character, and school spirit by naming him “Mr. Skyrocket” during his senior year. He graduated from Wellington High School Class of 1962.
After high school, Jackie attended Frank Phillips Junior College on a basketball scholarship. It was Jackie’s dream to receive a scholarship. He later transferred to West Texas State University in Canyon, Texas, where he earned a degree in Bachelor of Business arts degree in Finance and graduated in 1967. He earned a spot on the WTSU Tennis team as a walk-on player. Jackie joined the United States Army in 1968 where he proudly served his country. He served in the Artillery Branch with a rank as first lieutenant. He was stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War era. His military service was a source of pride throughout his life.
After completing his education and military service, Jackie built a successful career in healthcare administration and finance.
In 1976, he was employed by American Medical International, Inc., the third largest hospital chain in the nation at the time. Jackie was the supervisor of AMI’s central division Internal Reporting Department where he was responsible for statistical, financial, and operational reports for 49 hospitals in the United States.
Prior to AMI, Jackie served as senior reimbursement auditor at Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Texas. In retirement, Jackie made his home in Lubbock, Texas near his eldest brother, Carl Daves. The brothers shared a love of sports and especially enjoyed attending Texas Tech University athletic events together.
Jackie later moved to Bradenton, Fla., to be near his sister, Sharon Bell. He eventually returned to the Texas Panhandle, settling in Amarillo so he could be near his brother, Carroll Daves, of Wellington.
Throughout the different chapters of his life, Jackie remained closely connected to his family. Jackie always greeted everyone with a big smile and his quick-witted humor. From the playing fields and tennis courts of Wellington to his college years, military service, professional career and retirement, Jackie will be remembered for a life fully lived and for the lasting memories he leaves with those who knew and loved him. Your family will miss you dearly.
Jackie was preceded in death by his father, Royce Lee Daves; mother, Louella Dobbs Daves; brother, Carl Don Daves; sister, Sharon Daves Bell; nephew, Greg Daves; great nephew, Chad Shannon; and brother-in-law, Larry Pribble.
He is survived by his brother, Carroll Daves, of Wellington; niece, Connie Kasner and husband Todd Butler; niece, Carol Ann Daves and Annette Bergstrom; niece, Alicia Daves White; niece, Patti Sixta and husband Steve Sixta; nephew, Royce Lee Daves and wife Kristen Daves; niece, Robyn Bell and Linda Jacobs; niece, Janet Daves Sypert and husband Scott Sypert; and 21 great nieces and nephews.
A memorial service honoring Jackie’s life will be planned at a later date.
Sign the online guestbook at www.adamsfuneralsvc.com.
