James H. Frizell died March 3, 2013 at Manor Park in Midland, Texas, following a lengthy illness. He was born May 18, 1927 on his family’s farm in Haskell County, Texas to J.V. Frizell, Jr. and Grace Brown Frizell. James grew up on the farm, and in Stamford, Texas. He enrolled in North Texas Agricultural College at 16 years of age. Too young to enlist in World War II, James returned home from his studies to teach science and math at Stamford High School, where his future wife, Patty McDonald, was a student. He soon began his career in the oil business on a seismographic crew in Big Lake. He and Patty married July 2, 1950. Following his service as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, James completed his degree in Petroleum Geology at Texas Tech and the family moved to Midland in 1956. James began his career as a geologist with Phillips Petroleum and was an industry executive with a number of companies, including Senior Vice President at Harken Oil Company and Freeport-McMoran. James served as a Member of the Board of Directors for Freeport Petroleum, Harken Oil & Gas, Argonaut Energy Corporation and Summit Petroleum Corporation. He most recently worked as an independent land consultant with Pioneer Natural Gas and Hilliard Energy. James was a member of The American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists, West Texas Geological Society, Society of Independent Earth Scientists, State of California – Registered Professional Geologist, State of Arkansas – Registered Professional Geologist, American Association of Petroleum Landmen, and Permian Basin Landmen’s Association. He was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church for more than 50 years, where he served as a trustee and a Ruling Elder.
In addition to his wife of 63 years, James is survived by their daughter, Janet Hudson of Prosper, Texas, her husband JC and grandchildren, Sarah and her husband, Michael Roberts, and Andrew and his wife, Chassi Kopec; and their son, James M. Frizell of Buda, Texas, his wife Toni, grandchildren Chad and his wife, Aimee Blum; great grandchildren Micayla and Zoie. He is also survived by his brother, Paul Frizell of San Angelo, and his sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn and Jim McCown of Spring Branch, Texas and a host of nieces and nephews.
Family will receive family and friends for a visitation Tuesday, March 5, 2013 from 5-7pm at Ellis Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 6 at 1:00pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Midland. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com
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