James Lee McAtee Jr.

James Lee McAtee Jr., 86, passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2011, at his home in Waco after a valiant struggle with heart disease. Graveside services will be 9 a.m. Friday, July 1, at Lorena Cemetery with the Rev. Jimmie Johnson officiating.

Jim was born Aug. 29, 1924, in Waco, the son of Edith Smith McAtee and James L. McAtee Sr. After graduating from Waco High School in 1941, he attended Texas A&M University and served as a pilot trainer in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. After the war's end, Jim returned to Texas A&M where he completed his degree, and then attended Rice University where he received his PhD in physical chemistry. After graduation, Jim worked for the Baroid Division of the National Lead Industries in Houston, until moving to Waco in 1962, where he joined Baylor University as a professor of chemistry. While at Baylor, Jim served as the Chairperson of the Chemistry Department and as the Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences until his retirement in 1986. While Jim had an esteemed research career with numerous scientific publications and patents, his most treasured role was that of teacher and mentor to his many students.

Dr. McAtee was an Emeritus Member of the American Chemical Society and the Clay and Minerals Society of America, and also belonged to numerous other professional and private organizations. He was a deacon and elder at the First Presbyterian Church and a longtime member and past president of the Waco Kiwanis Club. In these roles, Jim was generous in supporting both his profession and community.

Jim was happily married for more than 63 years to Francis Linville McAtee, with whom he had four children and seven grandchildren.

Kind, supportive, and generous, Jim was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, and teacher. He lived a life of integrity, optimism, and devotion and remains a role model for the many lives he touched.

Dr. McAtee was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Judy Gates.

Survivors include his wife, Francis; daughter, Susan McAtee and partner, Linda Cuellar, of San Antonio; son, Lee McAtee and wife, Cindy, of Waco; daughter, Rosamond McAtee of Salida, Colo.; and son, Winfield McAtee and wife, Gloria, of Waco. Jim's beloved grandchildren include Alex, Elly, and Marion Slakie, James and Robert McAtee, and Carissa and Brentye McAtee. Jim is also survived by his sister, Ruth McAtee Belew and husband, John, of McGregor; brothers-in-law, Alan Linville and wife, Chris, of Waco, Donald Linville and wife, Brentye, of New Mexico, and Philip Gates of Columbus, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the James L. McAtee Jr. Endowment Fund at Baylor University.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WilkirsonHatchBailey.com.

August 29, 1924 - June 28, 2011

Sign the Guest Book at www.wacotrib.com