JJ Exum

James Justin "JJ" Exum, cherished husband, devoted father, treasured son, loyal brother and beloved friend, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2026, at the age of 50.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2026 at the First Baptist Church in West, with Dr. John Crowder officiating. Burial will follow at Bold Springs Cemetery near West. The family will receive visitors from 9:00 a.m. to service time Saturday at the church.

JJ was born on April 24, 1976, in Odessa, the son of Rickey and Jodie (Simons) Exum, he grew up in a close-knit family that instilled in him the values of hard work, faith, and community. A proud graduate of Pecos High School in 1994, JJ pursued higher education at Sul Ross State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Meat Management in 1998. He embarked on a fulfilling career with Union Pacific Railroad, serving as a Signalman from 1998 until his retirement in 2021. JJ's warm spirit, love for life, kindness and sense of humor extended beyond his profession. He found deep joy in his marriage to Jarra Kaye Pipkin, whom he wed on August 2, 2008, in Chalk Bluff. His faithful service to the First Baptist Church in West reflected his commitment to nurturing both his spiritual life and the community around him. Throughout his youth, JJ immersed himself in the FFA, making his mark through leadership roles, competitive livestock shows and various events. Following college, JJ continued his family's multi-generational railroad legacy; a chapter of his life defined by travel, lifelong friends, and marrying the boss's daughter. In retirement, he delighted in playing dominoes, unwinding to the melodies of old country music, and spending time with his boys.

JJ is survived by his loving wife, Jarra Kaye Exum; his sons, Bo and Jake; his parents, Rickey and Jodie Exum; his sister, Lindsey Davis and husband Audie and their son, Kole; his father and mother in-law, Mike and Jaylene Pipkin and his sister-in-law, Stephanie Gerath and husband Kurtis and their daughters, Addison and Kenna. His memory will forever be treasured by all who were fortunate to know him.

Pallbearers are Trey Armstrong, John Fowler, Matt Rainey, Audie Davis, Kurtis Gerath, and Greg Mitchell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a scholarship fund for his sons.