Michael J. Upchurch

Michael James “Mike” Upchurch, 69, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, the 11th of June 2021. Born on the 19th of March 1952, in Midland, Texas to Haden and May Belle Upchurch, he grew up in Houston, and graduated from Memorial High School in 1970. Attending University of Texas for both his undergraduate and MBA degrees, Mike was a proud Longhorn. Upon graduation, he began his career in Oil & Gas, eventually forming Essex Oil Company in partnership with his father, Haden, and close family friend, Richard Wright. Mike was a lifelong learner and obtained his second Master’s degree in Political Science at age 57, teaching courses on government at University of St. Thomas, Houston Baptist University, and Lone Star Community College. He derived great joy from teaching, and his students described him as funny, kind, and a talented storyteller.

Mike was very proud of his Texas heritage and involvement in the Tejas Vaqueros and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He joined the Vaqueros as a Maverick in 1975, serving as El Presidente from 1988 to 1990. Some of his best friends and memories came from the Vaqueros, and he looked forward to spending time in the canyon each year. Mike was a long-time Director of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and served in leadership roles on the Breeders Greeters, Grand Entry, Steer Auction, and International Committees. He enjoyed being active in his community and was involved in many other civic organizations. Later in life, Mike discovered a love of sailing with Katharina, and he was elected Commander of the Galveston Sail and Power Squadron in 2014. They also joined the Houston Yacht Club and spent many happy events there.

Mike’s other great love was his family, and he was a proud husband, father, and grandfather and bragging often about his daughter and grandchildren. He married Katharina Imboden on the 10th of May 1997, and they had many wonderful memories sailing, traveling, and being with friends at the Rodeo.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Haden Jefferson and May Belle Holder Upchurch; and his sister, Judy Ray Davis. He is survived by his wife, Katharina Upchurch; daughter, Christina Upchurch Zimmer and her husband Andrew; grandchildren, Caroline Haden and Reid Michael Zimmer; brother-in-law, Joe Wes Davis, Jr.; niece, Ashley Davis Crocker (Brandon); and nephews, Haden Tyler Davis (Nicole), and Joe Wes Davis, III (Trey). Special thanks to the Treemont and Senior Allegiance for their care and to Jan Chramosta for her long-time support.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock until seven o’clock in the evening on Tuesday, the 22nd of June, at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A celebration of Mike’s life will be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 23rd of June, in the Sanctuary of Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 11140 Greenbay Street in Houston, where Rev. Wick Stuckey is to officiate.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Mike’s honor be directed to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo; or to the charity of one’s choice.