James "Jim" Douglas Vogt

James Douglas Vogt, age 72 of Houston, TX, passed away early the morning of January 4, 2020 in his home in Cypress, TX. Jim was a beloved husband, father, brother, pilot, engineer, storyteller, and faithful Christian servant.

Jim was born September 21, 1947 in Houston to Mildred (Turner) Vogt and Clarence Vogt. In kindergarten, Jim met his future wife, Linda Lee Yarberry. He knew early on Linda was someone special, and the story goes that Jim would take Linda for go-cart rides, and she would make him sandwiches. (Years later, the go-carts became airplanes, and the sandwiches continued.) Jim was baptized and confirmed at St. Matthew Lutheran Church of Houston, actively involved in church, and remained steadfast in his Christian faith throughout his life.

Jim attended Lamar High School and Texas Tech University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. During his time at Texas Tech he earned his pilot’s license, and aviation became his lifelong hobby and passion. After graduating from Texas Tech, Jim married his childhood sweetheart Linda on July 3, 1971, and he began working for Chicago Bridge and Iron as a civil engineer. His projects took them all over the south, and in 1973, their first child Mark was born in Birmingham, Alabama. Jim and Linda later returned to Houston where they had their daughter Katherine in 1977. Jim’s career continued with Fish Engineering and Mustang Engineering, working in sales, business development, and eventually as Corporate Secretary at Mustang before his retirement.

Throughout his career, he continued to fly airplanes, own airplanes, and travel to places like Wichita, Kansas (which he was always quick to point out as the general aviation capital of the world) and Oshkosh, Wisconsin for the annual air show. Some of his best friends are “flying buddies,” and he took his wife and children on airplane rides every chance he got. He also enjoyed 20 years of water skiing on Lake Conroe and entertaining at the Yarberry lakehouse. After retiring, Jim and Linda traveled internationally and enjoyed cruises throughout Europe.

Above all else, Jim’s Christian faith was the most significant aspect of his life. He loved the Lord, and he is with the Lord now in heaven. Jim lived his faith, including active involvement with his churches: Gethsemane Lutheran of Houston, Faith Lutheran of Houston, and St. John Lutheran of Cypress. Jim taught Sunday School, led Bible studies, served as an Usher and Elder, and always said yes when asked to serve.

Jim was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer in the spring of 2018. His right arm was amputated in September of 2018, and he exceeded all doctors’ estimates of his survival. Rather than “convalescing,” Jim did things like put together new furniture with one arm and walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding. He hosted the best wedding imaginable and never tired of sharing the wedding music and video recordings with anyone who visited. He was lovingly cared for by his wife Linda throughout his battle with cancer. Linda, Mark, and Katherine are grateful for the care provided by the C&S Healthcare Services caregiving team, Vantage Hospice, and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Mildred and Clarence, and survived by his wife Linda Vogt, son Mark Vogt, daughter Katherine (Vogt) Lambert and son-in-law Jason Lambert, sister Susan (Vogt) Hecht, and countless extended family members who loved him dearly and appreciated his gift of storytelling.

The family will host a visitation on Thursday, January 9 from 6pm to 7:30pm at Forest Park Westheimer. A service of Christian burial will occur Friday, January 10 at 10am. A memorial service of Christian hope and comfort will be held Friday, January 10 at 2pm at St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, TX.

Charitable contributions can be made to St. John Lutheran Church in Cypress, TX.

“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39