James "Wink" Cross

James “Wink” Cross, 76, of Pampa, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, March 18, 2024.

Services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Briarwood Church with Pastor Jamisen Hancock officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Wink was born November 1, 1947 in Soper, Oklahoma to William and Ella “Susie” Cross and he attended schools in Pampa. When he was growing up, he enjoyed and learned all about being a carpenter from his father. Eventually he would start Wink’s Handyman Service. After high school, he went to work for Blake Laramore at Blake’s Food Store. Wink started out as a stocker and then was trained to be a butcher. Wink went to work for B&B Packing for several years. Eventually, he would open his own shop, Wink’s Meat Market. He operated the business from 1964 until 1980. When he closed his meat market, he worked for NOV, Frank’s Hardware, and Gray County Courthouse as the maintenance director for 7 years before he retired on December 31, 2022. Wink also owned and operated Cross Calf Ranch for several years until 2008. 

On May 21, 1966, he married the love of his life, Karan Laramore. They celebrated over 57 years of marriage. Wink was a longtime member of Briarwood Church. He loved his family and serving the Lord. Wink enjoyed his cows and just working around his home place. His wife, children, and grandchildren were his everything, he loved them dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Charles C. Cross; mother and father-in-law, Blake and Billee Laramore; and a sister-in-law, Jerilyn Laramore.

Survivors include his wife, Karan of the home; son, Preston B. Cross and wife Emily of Surprise, Arizona; daughter, Kerri Harris of Pampa; two grandsons, Adam B. Cross and wife Steffani and their son, Eli of Lubbock and Chris B. Harris and girlfriend Kenleigh Kinnison of Pampa; brother, Albert Cross and wife Roxanna of Paris, Texas; brother-in-law, Gary B. Laramore of Lubbock; numerous nieces, nephews, and many special friends.