James Harold Restine

January 14, 1932 - March 22, 2026

James Harold Restine passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2026 after a brief battle with pneumonia. He was a resident of the Veterans’ Community Living Center in Amarillo. At his death, he was surrounded by family: children and grandchildren, as well as the nurses, caregivers and other residents at the Center who became as family.

Jim was born on January 14th, 1932, in Amarillo, to Lyle and Aubey Restine. He grew up active in scouting and after graduation from Amarillo High School he went on to join the United States Army in 1952 and served with honor until his release in 1955.

Upon his release from the military, Jim attended West Texas State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education (BME), and a Master of Arts (MA) in 1959.

His first teaching position in 1959 found him in Canadian, as the High School Band and Choral Director. From there he served as Band Director at Dalhart High School before taking the position as the first Band and Orchestra Director at the new Caprock High School in Amarillo in 1963. Jim, a talented musician who played several instruments, led Caprocks’ orchestras, concert bands, marching bands, and stage bands to earn top marks in annual local and regional competitions. Many of his students were accepted as members of Texas All-State Bands and Orchestras. He spent most weekends teaching private lessons. The Caprock Marching Band was a constant at football games and “Mr. Restine” spent many hours at home, choreographing half-time shows.

Jim retired from teaching in 1977 and he and his wife designed, built and opened The Ark Pet Center in Amarillo. The store boasted an aviary, a room for small animals, a grooming area, and a large room showcasing both fresh and salt-water aquariums. While the pet shop was running, Jim operated a side business building, stocking and maintaining beautiful aquariums on wooden cabinets. These could be found in many medical offices and other professional businesses, as well as private homes. After several years, the store was sold.

Jim was a life-long advocate for those less fortunate than himself. In 1986, he took a position at Texas State Center for Human Development, working with clients with developmental disabilities. It was a job he relished. If a client had no family, it wasn’t unusual for him to bring them home to share a holiday with his own.

After his retirement from TSCHD, he and Jackie led a quiet life with their rescue dogs, Chauncey and Rooney. They divided their time between children, grandchildren and enjoying their various hobbies. Jim was an accomplished artist, sculptor and woodworker, even creating wooden toys for his children when they were young and later his grandchildren.

When Jackie passed unexpectedly, Jim remained at their home with Rooney for some time. After he lost Rooney, Jim took up residence in the Veterans Community Living Center. He participated in the activities offered, including and especially, music. He received great care, made many friends and was happy.

Jim Restine was a husband, a father, a teacher, a mentor and an example of how a good life could be led and followed.

James Harold Restine was preceded in death by his wife, Jackie, and eldest son, Larry. He is survived by five children: Lana Bongilotti (Dave), Susan Chesnut (Nick), Karl Restine (Amy), Kurt Restine (Jennifer), and Julie Smith (Marcus); eighteen grandchildren: Rebecca, Matthew, Stephen, Shelly, Sierra, Allison, Abbie, Melissa, Katy, Joshua, Christian, Jonathan, Trinity, Grace, Henry, Olivia, Camryn, and Noah; and six great grandchildren.