James "Rusty" Cornelius, 70, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024, in Amarillo, Texas.

Rusty was born on February 18, 1953, in Houston, Texas to Ralph and Betty (Singley) Cornelius. Rusty graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1981 and South Texas College of Law in 1983. He worked as an attorney for many years, was the Emergency Manager for Amarillo College, and finished his career truck driving for Groendyk Transport.

Rusty married Julie O'Brien on November 20, 2011, in Amarillo, Texas. Rusty loved his wife and was Julie's biggest supporter. He was so proud of her and instrumental in her accomplishment of becoming a peace officer. Rusty loved his family, was a very good son-in-law, and proud that his stepson Carlo was serving his country; Rusty was the Rock of his family.

Rusty liked his guns, was very conservative, and a believer in upholding the constitution. He was civic minded, supporting his community and donating to Snack-Pak for kids. Rusty loved his Honda Trail Bikes and had a love affair with standard cab long bed Ford F-150s.

Those left to cherish his memories are his wife Julie O'Brien of Amarillo, Texas; stepson Carlo O'Brien deployed in Egypt; sister Shirley Hipp and her husband Richard of Houston, Texas; mother-in-law Sandy Swopes of Hereford, Texas; sister-in-law Laura Cornelius of Houston, Texas; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Betty Cornelius and two brothers William "Terry" Cornelius, and Ralph "Skip" Cornelius.

Arrangements and Cremation Services have been entrusted to Mendez & Mullins Family Funeral Home.

You may sign the online guestbook at www.mendezandmullins.com