JAMES WOODRUFF "JIMMY" JAX

JAMES "JIMMY" WOODRUFF JAX Our beloved husband, father and grandfather, James "Jimmy" Woodruff Jax, age 77, and a cancer survivor, died unexpectedly at a local hospital in Houston, Texas on Thursday, the 14th of October, 2010.Jimmy entered into rest with our Lord Jesus Christ surrounded by family and friends. Jimmy was born December 31, 1932 in New Orleans, Louisiana and spent his entire life a native Houstonian in a city he loved. He left this life just as he lived it full of strength, courage and surrounded by his family and loved ones. His kindness and friendly personality will be sorely missed by his friends and loved ones left behind here on earth, but we know the angels in heaven are rejoicing to have Jimmy among them.Jimmy attended and graduated from Mirabeau B. Lamar Senior High School in 1952. Jimmy then proudly became an Owl at the prestigious Rice University in Houston. Texas. While at Rice, Jimmy played football for The University and earned a B.S. while attending Rice University. Jimmy proudly served in the Air National Guard Reserves. Following his military career, Jimmy formed Jimmy Jax Realty and catapulted into the ranks as one of Houston's best in the real estate market. The journey to mastery of the real estate profession included help from his builder father, Jerry Jax, whose homes currently stand in Tanglewood. River Oaks, Briargrove, and Memorial. Jimmy served as Treasurer of the Houston Association of Realtors, Director of Houston Association of Realtors and Chairman of the Professional Standards Committee. Possessing genius which transforms real estate exchanges into moments of celebration, Jimmy was perhaps the ultimate Realtor and often and affectionately was referred to as a true Real Estate wizard. Jimmy made lifelong friends many of whom were in the real estate business. And one of his most accomplished acts was having the pleasure of being a mentor to John Daugherty.Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents C. G. "Gerry" Jax and Hazel Dorothy Jax and his daughter and son in law, Diane Forner and Dr. Thomas Forner. Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife for 36 years, who was also his high school sweetheart, Mary "Lou" Hardy Jax; his daughter, Renee Mitchell of Houston, Texas, three sons, Clayton Jax of Huntsville, Texas, Garth Jax and wife, Elizabeth, of Denver, Colorado, and Brady Jax of Aspen, Colorado, and his daughter, Hilary Simon Rentz and her husband Trey Rentz of Houston, Texas. He leaves behind 10 grandchildren, Robin Forner, Griffin Jax, Alexis Simon, Rachel Hildebrand, Gabrielle Simon, Parker Jax, Carson Jax, Jax Rentz, Phillip Jax, and Houston Rentz.Jimmy also leaves two brothers and their wives, Jerry R. and Mary Kay Jax of Houston, Texas and Reverend Thomas A. and Brenda Jax, of Columbus Texas. Jimmy was formerly married to Fay Ann Hannon, of Tallahassee, FloridaThe family wishes to thank caregiver and loyal friend, Gary Warren, for his tireless service and support of Jimmy. The funeral and memorial service is to be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning on Tuesday, the 19th of October 19, 2010 at St. Francis Episcopal Church located at 345 North Piney Point Drive in Houston, Texas. The Reverand Stuart Bates of St. Francis Episcopal Church and Father Edward Able will officiate the service. Following the service, all are invited to join the family for a reception at the Wheat Croft Hall at St. Francis Episcopal Church.In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Jimmy's name to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center or the charity of your choice.