James G. Floyd

James Gordon Floyd passed away at his beloved Pagoda, Colorado ranch on Wednesday, the 28th of August 2024, at the age of 88. Jim was born on the 11th of August 1936, in the small town of Barrineau Park, Florida, to Lewis Gordon Floyd and Lois Wilkinson Floyd. Jim's life was a tapestry woven with adventure, love, and an unyielding passion for the natural world.

After graduating from Tate High School in Cantonment, Florida, Jim enlisted in the Navy where he served as an aerial photographer from 1954 to 1957. His military service not only shaped his character but also using the GI bill opened the door to higher education at the University of Florida, where he studied geology and earned a Bachelor’s degree in 1961 and his Master’s degree in 1962.

Jim's career in the oil and gas industry was illustrious, beginning in Houston, Texas, in 1962 as a geologist with Amoco Oil Company. His journey through the industry was marked by significant achievements, including his tenure at Houston Oil and Minerals and his pivotal role in founding Brooklyn Union Oil and Gas Exploration, which later evolved into Houston Exploration Company. His retirement in 2001 did not dim his passion for the industry; he continued to influence it through his involvement with AC Exploration, LLC and various corporate boards. Jim was a member of the Houston Geological Society, AAPG and Gulf Coast Log Library,

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Glenna of 61 years; daughter, Karen Floyd; son, James G. Floyd, Jr. and wife Brenda; son, Kenneth A. Floyd and wife Anna; and daughter, Pamela L. Floyd; grandchildren, Amanda Floyd, Sam Goodwin, Alan Floyd, James Floyd, Grace Leeder and husband Kade, and Tyson Floyd Gasaway; great-grandchildren, Kayleigh and McKenzie Jordan; and brother, Tom Floyd and wife Jean. Jim was predeceased by his parents and brothers Roy Wayne Floyd and Myron David Floyd.

An outdoorsman at heart, Jim found solace and joy in the wild. His south Texas ranch was not just a piece of land but a canvas where he painted memories with each quail and dove he hunted. The sea called to him as well, where on his boat, the Jammer, he was in pursuit of the elusive blue marlin. Later in life Jim found joy in making improvements to his Pagoda Colorado Ranch as well as sharing those with family and friends.

Jim's legacy is not just in the oil fields or the vast skies he photographed but in the hearts of those who knew him. His friendships, forged in the camaraderie of industry peers and shared adventures, were as deep as the wells he helped drill and as vast as the oceans he navigated.

A celebration of Jim’s life is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 21st of September, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent grand foyer.

We will gather to share stories of his exploits, his laughter, and his wisdom to ensure Jim’s spirit continues to inspire and guide those who loved him.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Jim’s memory be directed to The Heart Center at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Junior Woman's Club by simply selecting the link below under "Donations"; or to the charity of one’s choice.

We invite you to take a few moments to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with his family by selecting the “Add a Memory” icon below.