James Olan (Jim) Stout

Jim graduated from Spring Branch High School in 1960, where he excelled in both baseball and basketball. He graduated from the University of Texas in 1964 with a degree in Business Administration. A member of Sigma Chi fraternity, he married Linda Pawelek in 1967. Although they were divorced 13 years later, they remained the closest of friends until his death. He was also married briefly to Rhonda Walker.

After graduating from UT, he worked for Union Texas Petroleum, then Shell Oil, Gulf States Toyota, and Schlumberger Oil Services. He also held a residential real estate license for 40 years and occasionally worked in that field, as well. Jim loved to travel and did so extensively and he enjoyed his home on Lake Conroe. In 1991, he was diagnosed with hepatitis C which ultimately led to a successful liver transplant in 1999- a precious gift from the family of Zina Marie Saul.

He developed Parkinson's disease in 2003. Both conditions complicated his general health. In 2005, Jim and his brother, Gene, began providing 24-hour care to both of his aging parents. They did so until the deaths of both parents. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a nephew, Scott Eugene Stout. He is survived by his brother, Gene Stout and wife Sunny of Atascosa County, Texas; nephews, Mike Stout and wife, Melanie and children, Ashley, Matt and Mitch of St. Louis; and Chris Stout and wife, Tami, and children, Justin, Lauren, and Brady of Sugar Land.

Jim's family greatly appreciates the ever willing help of close friends Linda Stout, Vickie Lyons, and Denise Soodhalter, a special person in his life, in caring for Jim during his final months. Regardless of his physical challenges, Jim's positive outlook was indeed remarkable. Despite his will to live, and the superb care and professionalism of the Denton Cooley team and other professionals at St. Luke's Hospital, his body had become too compromised for him to survive. The family is truly grateful for their overwhelming effort, and acknowledges the care provided him at Kindred Care, Memorial Hermann, TIRR, and Parkway Place Skilled Nursing Center during the past year.

Additionally, the chaplains from Lifeline consistently provided comfort to Jim and those who loved him during his final months. They were a blessing to everyone.

A Celebration of his life Service will be held on Saturday, December 26 at 1:00 P.M. at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home in Houston, Texas. A Graveside service and reception will follow. Pallbearers will be Michael Stout, Christopher Stout, John Smith, Joel Verbois, Mike Block, Eric Nelson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Larry, Stout, Ronald Stout and Herb Green.

In lieu of flowers, donations to any of the following are appreciated:

Lifeline Chaplaincy 1414 Southmore Blvd. Houston, TX 77004.

LifeGift Organ Donation Center 5615 Kirby Drive., Suite 900, Houston, TX 77005.

Michael J. Fox Foundation Michaeljfox.org