James E. Werner

James Edward “Jim” Werner, beloved brother, husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa and friend to all who knew him, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2012. He was born in New Kensington, PA on September 2, 1927, the oldest of six children born to Thaddeus and Rose Werner.

Jim was a devout Catholic who as a young man aspired to be a priest until he met Alice Elizabeth Matthews, whose smile swept him off his feet. She became his cherished wife of 53 years until her death in 2003. They were deeply rooted in their Catholic faith and were charter members of St. Cecilia Catholic Community, actively engaged in many parish ministries over the years. They were also devoted members of the Holy Name of Mary Family Guild, whose fellowship provided spiritual nurturing and social support for over 54 years.

Jim and Alice’s love for each other, dedication to family, devotion to God and passion for life inspired all who knew them.

Jim graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Natrona, PA in 1945, entered the U.S. Navy and was training to be a naval aviator when the war ended. He was a lifelong patriot and proud Navy veteran. He returned home to attend college, receiving a B.S. and M.S. from the University of Pittsburgh.

Jim and Alice moved to Port Lavaca, Texas in 1951 to start a career and a family, and became “Yankees by birth, Texans by choice.” He was a dedicated scientist, enjoying a long and distinguished career in Houston as a highly regarded petroleum geologist with Alcoa and Miller and Lents, Ltd. until his retirement in 1995. He was passionate about geology but was equally interested in all sciences.

Jim’s family wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to Dr. Ariel M. Velasco and the entire staff of Memorial DaVita #247 for giving him 1,671 extra days of life through their skilled and compassionate dialysis care that began on June 25, 2007. We would also like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Kindred Hospital Town & Country for the loving care, concern and treatment they provided Jim.

Jim is preceded in death by his sister Margaret Werner Tuck and his brother Robert Allan Werner. He is survived by his children Robert Werner and his wife Cathy, David Werner and his wife Diane, Susan Elder and her husband Charles, and loving grandchildren Corby Logue and his wife Shana, Kelly Logue, Shannon Owen and her husband Steven, Allison Werner, Meredith Werner, Christopher Werner, Matthew Werner, Erin Werner, Rebecca Menon and her husband Jayant, Bonnie Elder, and great-grandchildren Aiden Logue, Scarlett Logue and three due later this year. He is also survived by his brothers and sister Edwin and Patricia Werner, Michael and Susan Werner, Rosemary Reed and her husband Robert, sister-in-law Virginia Werner, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

The family received friends on Thursday, January 26th from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road, where a Christian vigil service was conducted by Deacon Don Bradley at 7:30 p.m. that evening.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 27th at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc. Bishop Vincent M. Rizzotto presided. Immediately following, all were invited to a reception at the St. Cecilia Community Center. Honorary pallbearers included his grandchildren and members of the Holy Name of Mary Family Guild. Interment followed at Memorial Oaks Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jim’s memory may do so by making a contribution to the American Heart Association, 10060 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77054 (or www.heart.org), the American Diabetes Association, 2400 Augusta Drive, Suite 175, Houston, TX 77057 (or www.diabetes.org), or the National Kidney Foundation, 5429 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, Suite 250, Dallas, TX 75240 (or www.nkft.org).