James Harve Peery IV

James Harve “Jim” Peery died unexpectedly in Breckenridge, Colorado on Monday, the 28th of March 2011, at the age of 70. Jim was born in Charleston, West Virginia and at the age of twelve his family moved to Arlington Heights, Ilinois where Jim graduated from high school. He received his Chemical Engineering degree from Purdue University and his PhD from Princeton University.

Jim worked for Exxon for 33 years and retired in 1999. He felt privileged to have worked for Exxon and was the Vice-President of Production when he retired. He lived and worked in many different locations - both domestic and global. During his career, Jim held high expectations for himself and soon developed a reputation as a hard worker with a keen intellect and quick wit. Though he had high expectations for his co-workers, he will always be remembered as treating everyone with dignity and respect.

Jim had many hobbies and talents. He was an avid golfer and had three holes-in-one in his life. He was a natural athlete and completed three Houston marathons. He was enthusiastic about all outdoor activities including bird hunting, skiing, and walking. Music was a huge part of Jim’s life and he derived great enjoyment in spending hours listening to his collections.

Jim was a dynamic man who loved life. His extraordinary sense of humor was enjoyed by all of us who loved him. He made us all feel vibrant and alive.

Jim is survived by his wife of 39 years, Carol; and five children, Rick Peery and his wife, Kate of Houston; Ted Peery of and his wife, Kathy of Spring; Stephanie Ertz and her husband, Fred of Grapevine, TX; Steve Sinclair and his wife, Giselle of Frederick, MD; and David Sinclair and fiancé, Fereschta of Austin. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Piper, Jack, Brittany and Theodore James. Also, surviving Jim is his brother, Bill and his wife, Pat of Arlington Heights, IL; and his sister, Sharon and her husband, Larry of Vermillion, OH.

Even though Jim had medical challenges for the past ten years, he always faced them with determination and a positive attitude. His courage and character in the face of adversity inspired us to be better people.

Friends are cordially invited to gather with the family and share remembrances of Jim during a reception to be held from five o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening on Thursday, the 7th of April, in the Grand Foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A service of remembrance and celebration of Jim’s life is to be conducted at half-past one o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, the 8th of April, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in Jim’s memory may be directed to M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, P. O. Box 4486, Houston, TX, 77210-4486; www.mdanderson.org/gifts.