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James Black Obituary
James Patrick Black 58, of Katy, Texas passed away on November 23, 2010. He was born in Hearne, Texas on September 8, 1952. He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl and their children Jesse Patrick Black, of College Station, Texas and Amanda Spring Pederson, of Frisco, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Agnes Black.
James served in the U.S. Navy for four years as an Aviation Electronic Technician before beginning his career with AMOCO Pipeline in League City, Texas in 1976 as a Field Technician. He held numerous positions throughout his 34 year career with AMOCO/BP. James was recently promoted to the Director of Operations for BP's Gulf Coast Restoration Organization, a responsibility he was honored to undertake and described as "what he was born to do."
Though James was dedicated to his career with BP, first and foremost he loved his family and was a devoted husband and father. He thoroughly enjoyed cooking, never used a recipe, and loved nothing better than spending a day in the kitchen preparing food to entertain family and friends. Folks lucky enough to be invited to one of his parties could always count on a cold drink to accompany his delicious food. James had a big booming voice and an even bigger laugh. No one could tell a joke as well as James Black, and he loved making people laugh. He was also an avid competition clay shooter, and enjoyed teaching and sharing that hobby with his son. James never met a stranger, and will always be remembered for his quick wit and love of family and friends.
James attended Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church in Katy, Texas. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 30, 2010, at the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel, in Katy, where a wake service will be held at 7:00 p.m. with Deacon Don Kish officiating. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 1, 2010, at Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church with Rev. Msgr. Jack M. Dinkins officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to The Relay For Life of Katy at the attached link below or checks can be made out to: The Relay For Life of Katy, c/o: Mick Will, 21311 Lochmere Ln., Katy TX, 77450: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/JBlack
Schmidt Funeral Home
1508 East Ave., Katy, TX 77493
(281) 391-2424
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Black
Sponsored by His loving family and friends of James Black.
Darrel Barbo
December 8, 2010
Jim Black was my boss for several years, but the best of everything was that he was my friend for a long, long time. Jim had a way of talking to people that made them feel good. Whenever I approached him, not only was there a handshake, but a small hug and that great smile. He had a large and caring heart--not only for his family, but for all of his many friends and his work family.
Cheryl, Jesse and Amanda, these are very hard times, now, but I pray that the good Lord will make it easier for you to bear. Kathy and I will keep y'all and Jim in our prayers. I know that someday, Jim and I will be shooting sporting clays again (I'll let him win that time).
Love, Darrel and Kathy
Debbie & Mike Wolfe
December 3, 2010
Amanda, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Our deepest condolences to you and yours on this tragic loss. God bless you all.
Murray Warren
December 2, 2010
The Black Family,
It was truly my privilege and honor to work for Jim over the past 5 months. I remember my first day in the Fish Bowl (what we called the incident command center in Houma) and meeting Jim who I would be reporting to in my new role. This man larger than life said to me “kid, welcome aboard”. His voice was so deep and he was so tall, I thought to myself that I better make sure and take care of business or I might be in trouble. Well, as time moved on I realized this man was a teddy bear and had so much love for the response family. So many times he said over and over “we are family”. He always reiterated to us to take care of the folks in the field on the front lines, that they are the ones in the trenches fighting the fight. As hard as it was to say goodbye to Jim, I would not trade anything to have had the short amount of time of Jim in my life. He changed my perspective on a lot of things and he mentored me in many ways. My thoughts and prayers are with all you. Rest in Peace Jim.
Jaime Calderon
November 30, 2010
Cheryl,
I met James in the Mardi Gras project and had the priviledge to work as his colleague in BP.
I am praying for you and your family, and I'm hopeful that all the good memories we have of Jim, will help you and also us through this time of sorrow.
Natalie Hall
November 30, 2010
I met Jim in Houma, LA this summer working on the Deepwater Horizon Response for BP. On the outside, he was a rough and rugged cowboy like John Wayne, who would tell you whatever was on his mind. But on the inside, he was a big old teddy bear with a heart of gold. I'll never forget him. I extend my deepest condolences to the family.
Barbara and Andres
November 30, 2010
Our condolences to the family. Our thoughts are with you in this time of sadness.
Steve Backstrom
November 30, 2010
My condolences to the entire family. I got to know Jim as I was representing the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals at the Incident Command Post in Houma.
Jim was always no only approachable but sincerely committed to do things the right way.
He had a way about him of making you feel comfortable about coming to him both with kudos and things BP needed to correct. He often sought me out to make sure I knew the things important to DHH were a top priority.
I know you miss him dearly and the world has lost a man who strove to do the right, not just the expedient thing.
I am praying for all of the family during this time of grief.
Don Romero
November 29, 2010
My condolences to the family. I had the pleasure to work with Jim at various times during hurricane evacuations over the past few years. He was a great guy to work with and had a great sense of humor. You could count on him to deliver. My prayers are with you.
November 29, 2010
Cheryl,
I will never forget James. He was a great man. You and Jesse and Amanda are in my prayers..may you feel James in your heart forever.
Texas has lost a great Texan..it will never be the same there for me.
I love you Cheryl.
Betty
Richard Schultz
November 29, 2010
I had the opportunity to work with Jim this summer responding across the Gulf Coast. He was truly one of those rare individuals that everyone gravitated toward; he could fire up a group of people into a frenzy to do great things, work extremely hard himself, and also have a good time. I'm very glad I had the chance to know him. Thanks Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Kevin Sligh
November 29, 2010
Jim made an immediate and lasting positive impression on me during the first few days of the response. I was fortunate to have served with him in Houma and New Orleans. He will be missed. My prayers are with you in this time of need.
Skip Breeden
November 29, 2010
I had the pleasue to work with Jim at the Houma BP Incident Command this past year. I have to say it was a pleasue to work with Jim on this assignment. He was a man of honor and dedication. It is with deep sadness that I morn his passing. May God comfort Jim's family and friends.
Skip Breeden
GOHSEP
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Margaret Bletsch
November 29, 2010
Cheryl,
My thoughts and prays are with you, Jessie and Amanda during these difficult times. James will be truly missed but he has left a lot of good memories. I know I have a lot of fond memories of the times I spend with you and James. I will miss his laughter and jokes. He made a lot of people smile and he will always be in our hearts. I will be thinking of you and your family as you cope to get through these hard times.
Arex Avanni
November 29, 2010
It was a true honor and privilege to have worked with Jim this summer during the Deepwater Horizon response. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Richard Schultz
November 29, 2010
I had the opportunity to work directly with Jim this summer along the Gulf Coast. He truly was one of those rare individuals that everyone gravitated toward; he could fire up a group of people into a frenzy to do great things, work extremely hard himself, and also have a good time. I’m very thankful for having the chance to know him. Thanks Jim! My thoughts and prayers to the entire family.
Judy Duncan
November 29, 2010
Amanda,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May your fond memories of your father sustain you in the days to come.
Woodie Williams
November 29, 2010
May the God of all comfort be with you. Keep the good memories in mind as you look forward to a time when you will see him again. This is not the end of the story.
Tom Crosby
November 29, 2010
Amanda, my deepest sympathy to you and your family on your loss. I hope that knowing you are in my thoughts and prayers will offer some solace.
Larry Littlejohn
November 29, 2010
Cheryl,
My prayers go out to you and your family.
Priscilla Dickson
November 29, 2010
May God be with you and your family in this time of sorrow.
My thoughts and prayers are with
you.
Ellis Collins
November 29, 2010
Amanda, My thoughts and Prays are with you and your family.
Sandra Hienen
November 29, 2010
I enjoyed working with Jim on the Mardi Gras Project. My prayers are with you.
Eddie de Leon
November 29, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Gay Dunham
November 29, 2010
God has blessed all of us with Jim. He touched so many and he left us too early but will be in our memories always. May the peace of God be upon all those that feel loss.
Jim lived life better than most and he set an example of how to enjoy God's gifts with his smile,his willingness to help anyone, his cooking ability, and his down home humor. He made earth a better place and I'm sure he is working in Heaven. We are going to miss you Jim!
Howard Spalding
November 29, 2010
When Jim began his long career in League City, I had the good fortune to work with him operating the company's chemical pipeline system. I will long remember the wonderful relationship we had during this time.
From the very first, it was obvious that Jim was not only very talented but highly motivated. So, his many promotions and increased job responsibilities were a "natural".
Although Cheryl, Amanda and Jesse have suffered a huge loss, may they be comforted knowing that he attained his major goals in his profession but always found time to shower his love and affection on them!
Kim & Willie May Freeman
November 28, 2010
Our deepest regrets for the loss of our friend Jim Black. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. Our thoughts & prayers are with Cheryl, Jesse and Amanda.
Heidi Kinard
November 28, 2010
To the Black Family - You are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow. God has a very special angel to watch over you and your family. I worked on the Pipelines floor with Jim and his fantastic laugh could be heard all over the floor. He will be greatly missed!
Deb and Al Wetterstroem
November 28, 2010
Cheryl, Jesse, and Amanda: Words cannot express the depth of our sadness for you in the loss of your husband and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Greg and Marilyn Nelson
November 28, 2010
Cheryl, Jesse and Amanda: Words can't express our sadness and sorrow for your loss. Love and prayers to you all.
Randy Daigle
November 28, 2010
Thoughts, prayers, and sympathy to the entire family for such a tragic accident. May the love of God be your peace at this time.
November 28, 2010
May God fill your heart with peace...with loving thoughts and prayers. - A. Coker
Sherri Whitehurst
November 28, 2010
Cheryl,Thinking of you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Deanna Johnson-Harris
November 28, 2010
May God comfort you and your family through your sorrow. Lisa and Smokey spoke of James and you often. My prayers and thoughts are with you. Lisa's mother, Deanna
Glenn and Karen Boone
November 28, 2010
Cheryl, Jesse and Amanda. Our prayers are with you in this time of sadness.
Richard Taylor
November 28, 2010
Workig for Jim only a short time he was a fine and upstanding man that could be relied on for his word and interigity .It was a pleasure to have worked under him .
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