James Alfred Gariepy

Jim, or Jimmie as he was known then, was born in 1957 in Detroit, Michigan to Donna and Francis Gariepy. He was the middle child of seven children and proudly assumed the role of brother and son. Many would say having five sisters and a brother would be challenging, but he thrived in the chaos and it was the foundation for his deep love of family. Growing up, Jim had an innate curiosity to learn new skills, a trait he shared with his father, and enjoyed spending his free time on the ice as a rough and tough hockey player. Jim graduated from Walled Lake Central High School, and ambitiously worked multiple jobs to support himself through college at Lawrence Tech University, where he graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. After graduation, he bravely embarked on a new adventure, moving to Houston, TX, where he began his career as a professional engineer, got married and started his family.

During his illustrious career, he was awarded 11 unique patents for his engineering work in the oil and gas industry and had an immense impact at Cameron Ironworks and ABB Vetco Gray. Twenty years into his career and three kids later, he decided to continue his educational pursuit by earning his MBA from the University of St. Thomas. Investing in Jim was the best bet any person could make. Jim’s technical expertise, business acumen, and sense of adventure led him to pursue the opportunity to work for Dril-Quip, Inc. as General Manager of European Operations in Aberdeen, Scotland. He spent six years in Aberdeen, giving his family experiences that most could only dream of, before he returned to Houston as Dril-Quip’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Jim was a leader, mentor, and friend to so many throughout his career, and he continued to maintain these relationships after his retirement in 2019.

It is difficult to put into words the magnitude of Jim’s “larger than life” style of living. Jim’s generosity was endless, whether it be with his time, money, or love. If he knew someone in need, he would drop everything to support them, and if you went to dinner with him, good luck paying the bill. His quick wit gave him the uncanny ability to spark laughter in every scenario (well, unless you were on the receiving end of one of his roasts). He had an affinity for creating nicknames and little jingles for his loved ones, which we will now cherish all the more. His infectious laugh and creativity brought so much joy and entertainment to everyone around him. Every moment with him felt special.

Even though Jim achieved a multitude of professional and personal accomplishments in his lifetime, his greatest pride and joy were his children - Gail, Gregory, and Paige. As a father, he always pushed his kids to be the best version of themselves, while still providing unconditional love and support. Jim somehow managed to be a best friend to each of his children in a unique way. Gail fondly remembers their many breakfast dates where they would talk about everything under the sun while sharing an inordinate amount of bacon. Gregory will always cherish his time as Jim’s extra set of hands on his many projects, his golf buddy, and fellow Detroit enthusiast. Paige wholeheartedly embraced being his “mini-me” as they were able to speak in their own language through movie quotes, recreationally pursue an array of sports together, and spontaneously embark on whatever journey Jim could think of – whether a hockey game, concert in Austin, or a trip to Buccee’s. As adults, Jim talked to each of his kids on an almost daily basis and his phone calls will be sorely missed.

The only people that could rival the love he had for his children were his grandchildren - Liam, Mara, and Samuel. Jim loved being a Pawpaw more than anything in the world. He took up a new interest in Hot Wheels for his grandson, Liam, and made sure he had a collection of cars that would impress even the most spoiled of four-year olds (not Liam though, never). He was always vying for the affection of his steely granddaughter, Mara, and he reached the pinnacle of happiness just days before his passing when he attempted to leave her house and she firmly said, “No, sit.” He was over the moon to meet his newest grandson and namesake, Samuel James. Of course, he thought this grandbaby looked exactly like him. Jim left no doubt with his children, family, friends, and even strangers at the grocery store, about the profound love he had for his children and grandchildren. They were his world.

He spent his time in retirement admiring the beauty of Lake Michigan at his house in Ludington, exploring his passion for maintaining his Texas ranch, and most importantly, sharing these experiences with the people he loved most. Whether it be fate or his loving persistence, he had all three of his children living close by in Texas during his final years, and he took full advantage of spending quality time with them and his grandchildren - soaking up every moment he had on this side of eternity.

In accepting God’s will, Jim’s family asks for your prayers as we learn to navigate life without him. Prayers are particularly appreciated over the next couple of weeks as we are about to celebrate the wedding of Jim’s son, Gregory, and his bride to be, Val. There was nothing Jim loved more than hosting a good party and he was so excited to celebrate Greg and Val’s love with his entire family. Although physically absent now, we know he will be there in spirit.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Donna Gariepy; his brother-in-law, Michael Burch; and his best friend, John Nelson.

He is survived by his loving children, Gail (Will) Schoen, Gregory (Valerie) Gariepy and Paige Gariepy, along with their mother, Eileen Gariepy; his darling grandchildren, Liam, Mara and Samuel Schoen; his five sisters, Delores Gariepy, Diane Burch, Carol (Hossein) Sadat, Joan Bertucci and Karen (Keven) Smith; his brother, Frank (Kathy) Gariepy; as well as beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A visitation for friends will be held at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home, located at 18000 I-45, The Woodlands, TX 77384 on Wednesday, March 1st from 5-8 pm, with a rosary to be recited at 7 pm.

A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of the Angels Chapel at St Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, located at 8715 Kuykendahl Rd, The Woodlands, TX 77382 on Thursday, March 2nd at 12 pm. Once services conclude at the church, the family would like to express their thanks by having you join them for a reception at Deacon Baldy’s, located at 5447 FM 1488, Magnolia, TX 77354.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Jim’s honor to one of his favorite charities: the Lakeshore Food Club, the 100 Club, or the American Heart Association. Links to each are provided below:

https://www.lakeshorefoodclub.org/

https://the100club.org/give/join/generalcontributions/

https://www.heart.org/donate

Fond memories and kind expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkthewoodlands.com for the Gariepy family.

Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home is honored to serve this family.