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JAMES McPHAIL Obituary

JAMES FRANCIS MCPHAIL, 83, of Houston, Texas passed away on Sunday April 25, 2010. He was born on June 1, 1926 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Malcolm and Gaye McPhail. James graduated from Odessa High School in Odessa, Texas. Mr. McPhail served in the US Army during WWII in the Philippines. James married Clarice McCasland in Big Spring, Texas on June 5, 1948. She was his lifelong companion and the love of his life. He then graduated from Texas A&M with a BS degree in Civil Engineering in 1949. James went to work for Humble Oil & Refining Company in Kingsville, Texas in 1949. His 37 year career with Humble/Exxon was a source of great pride and accomplishment. James career took him and the family to the corners of the world, including Alaska, Australia, and Norway. His proudest accomplishment was his role as Vice President of Engineering for Alyeska Pipeline service Company in Building the Trans- Alaska pipeline. James and Clarice enjoyed Cruising and traveling to visit their many friends and family. He also enjoyed his volunteer work at Southwest Memorial. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Garden Terrace Alzheimer's Facility for their loving care of James for the past seven years. James was preceded in death by his loving wife on July 27, 2006. He is survived by his son, Terry and his wife Samantha; his daughter Candace DuFour and her husband Daniel; five grandchildren, Brandon, Courtney, Brett, Adam, and Lindsay; and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday April 28, 2010 at St. John Presbyterian Church, 5020 W. Bellfort St. Houston, Texas 77035. Entombment will follow at Memorial Oaks Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, anyone interested in making a donation is encouraged to donate to the Alzheimer's Association of Texas, 2242 West Holcombe Blvd. Houston, Texas 77030, or phone (713) 266-6400.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Apr. 27, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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May 4, 2010

I had the privilege to work for Jim on the Alyeska project for more than 5 years. His management skills, trust and confidence he placed in his team and even more important, his temperament were key reasons for the success of TAPS. Although he has passed on, his positive influence on me remains as strong as ever.
Wim Veldman, Calgary Canada

Kate Focarile

April 29, 2010

Courtney and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your in my thoughts and prayers.

Margaret Attaway

April 29, 2010

Candy, it was such a pleasure to get to know your dad and you during our time at Garden Terrace. He will be missed so much, but you have wonderful memories. He was a delight even when he was so sick. May God bless you and your family and comfort you as only He can.
Margaret Attaway

April 28, 2010

We are sorry for your loss. We pray that the void left by Jim’s passing will be filled with wonderful memories of bygone days. We recollect the good times we shared in Australia. Our deepest sympathy to Terry and Candy and to those who shared his life.

~ Mildred, Bill, Stephen, and Philip Bohlmann

A. Long

April 27, 2010

My heartfelt condolences goes out to the family at this most difficult time. May all receive the needed comfort to cope with your loss. Also there will be a time when death will no longer separate loved ones and those asleep in the grave will be resurrected back to life again. These blessings will take place under God's Kingdom rule.

April 27, 2010

Just to let you all know that I loved him. He was a wonderful brother-in-law.
Aunt Juanddaa

Tim Williamson

April 27, 2010

Terry and Candy, My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time. Wish I could be there; would love to get in touch with all of you.
Love, Tim Williamson

April 27, 2010

Terry and family, I was so sad to read of the loss of your father. He was one of the kindest men ever and it was pure joy working for him on the Alyeska project. But I rejoice that he is reunited with his love, Clarice, in heaven.

~Dianne Spence, Kingwood, Texas

ExxonMobil Employees

April 27, 2010

Terry, the ExxonMobil family mourns the loss of your father. God bless you all.

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