James Calvin Crain

James Calvin Crain passed away suddenly on July 1, 2021. He was a shining example of a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, community member and he will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved him.

Jim was born on July 6, 1948, in Amarillo, Texas, to John Clyde Crain and Roma McDowell Crain. The family relocated to Austin shortly thereafter and Jim spoke often of his wonderful parents and his happy childhood memories with his brother, Johnny. Jim graduated from John H. Reagan High School in 1966, where he proudly held the title of Senior Class President. Jim considered himself a true Austinite at heart and he still treasured his many long-lasting Austin friendships. He is an alumnus of the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration with honors, a Master of Professional Accounting with a 4.0 GPA and a Juris Doctor degree with honors. He was an editor of the Texas Law Review and graduated Order of the Coif.

Jim began his professional career as a Partner at Jenkens & Gilchrist Law Firm, where he headed the Energy Section. Starting in 1989, Jim served as President of Marsh Operating Company, an investment management company. In 1997, he became a general partner of Valmora Partners LP, a private investment partnership. He joined Yorktown Partners in 2013. Jim also served on the Board of Directors for many public energy companies, including Enlink Midstream, Approach Resources, Crusader Energy Group and others. Jim continued his legal education and maintained his license to practice law throughout his career.

Jim was a larger-than-life personality with a kind and loving heart. He never met a stranger and always offered a warm smile and friendly greeting to anyone who crossed his path. He was a life-long learner who enjoyed reading and loved Texas history, alongside his brother. He also enjoyed managing the Crain Brothers Farm in Hereford, Texas. To say Jim was hard working would be an understatement; however, when he was able to relax, he loved to travel with his family. Some of his favorite destinations and pastimes included fly fishing in Montana, enjoying long weekends in Port Aransas or Destin and soaking in the pure serenity of Hawaii. Jim also enjoyed cooking and had recently found his green thumb by building his own backyard vegetable garden. He was a fan of the English Premier League and, throughout his life, he continued to foster a love/hate relationship with Texas Longhorn football. Last, but certainly not least, Jim loved coming home to his best dog friend, Scout.

Jim is survived by his wife of 40 years, Patricia Scott Crain; his daughter, Ann Crain Galligan and her husband, Dan Galligan; his daughter, Mary Crain Roman and her husband, Anthony Roman; his son, James William Crain; and his first grandchild, Virginia James Roman, who shares his name. He is also survived by his brother, John Walter Crain and his wife Mary Stuart Hemingway Crain, and their children: Matthew, Sarah, and Margaret Crain.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the Chapel at Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home on Friday, July 9, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations made to the Alzheimer's Association or charity of your choice.