Bama, the West Texas Grinch, Has Passed Away: Remembering a Man Who Gave Our Community His Heart

Bama, the West Texas Grinch, Has Passed Away: Remembering a Man Who Gave Our Community His Heart

The806er is heartbroken to share that Jay “Bama” Moore, lovingly known as the West Texas Grinch, has passed away. Through his holiday appearances and community service, Bama gave families years of laughter, Christmas memories and reasons to smile.

For families who welcomed him into their holiday traditions, this loss feels personal. The photographs remain, and so does the joy he brought to the people standing beside him.

Originally from Alabama, Bama moved to Lubbock in 2013 and founded Team Bama, building a community of people around his desire to help others. His explanation for that work was simple.

“Every day, people struggle with something, and I want to be able to help,” Bama said in a 2024 interview.

Those words help explain why West Texas embraced him. He understood that a little attention, a laugh or an unexpected act of kindness could change someone’s day. He gave his time to creating those moments.

His compassion also reached beyond holiday celebrations. Following the Robb Elementary School shooting in 2022, Bama announced plans for Team Bama to travel to Uvalde, deliver roses and offer support to grieving families.

“Everything is bigger in Texas, even our hearts,” he said.

It was a message he carried through his service. In 2024, the City of Lubbock honored him, recognizing a man who had become a beloved part of the community.

That same year, Bama publicly shared his battle with stage 4 colon cancer. While facing the pain and uncertainty of his own illness, he continued speaking about bringing others happiness and helping them through their struggles. He hoped that even a brief smile could give someone relief from whatever they were carrying.

That generosity deserves to be remembered alongside every holiday photograph and every appearance in his familiar green costume.

As we remember Bama, we can honor him by carrying that kindness forward. Check on someone. Help a family. Give a child a reason to smile. Make time for people who need to feel remembered.

The806er sends love and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, Team Bama and everyone who held him close. May they find comfort in knowing how deeply his presence mattered here.

Rest peacefully, Bama. Thank you for the laughter, the memories and the love you gave West Texas. You will always be our Grinch.