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BORN
1948
DIED
2024
James Fernie Obituary
October 15, 1948 - February 21, 2024
Houston, Texas - James Donaldson Fernie passed away on February 21, 2024, after a battle with Alzheimer's. Jim grew up in Charlotte, NC. He earned a Marine Engineering degree from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point, NY. This was followed by 6 years of service in the U.S. Coast Guard. He worked for 13 years as an engineer in the oil and gas industry resulting in several family moves. Finally landing in Houston, he worked another 27 years as a Liquified Natural Gas marine professional. This included 2 years again with the Coast Guard as a senior civilian employee.
Jim's favorite roles were being Dad to his girls and Papa to his grandkids. He was so proud of them all. When helping the girls through Algebra homework, often by long distance, he would pull out a yellow tablet with "Dad's Pad" marked in bold letters on the front. He loved playing, laughing and getting into trouble with his grandkids in the loft upstairs – whether that loft was in Oregon or Texas.
He looked forward to spending time with his son-in-law talking for hours and was thrilled to attend one of his concerts. Jim enjoyed volunteering at animal shelters, elementary schools, Lone Star Library, Vacation Bible School, teaching Sunday School and taking the course for the Houston Citizens Police Academy. He also looked forward to meeting for coffee (or milkshakes) and donuts with a group of friends that became known as The Roosters.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Peggy Fernie, and his sister, Alican Fernie. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Alice, 2 daughters, Amanda Fernie, Katy Rowe and her husband Jeff Rowe, 2 brothers, Bruce Fernie and his wife Kathy, David Fernie, 4 grandchildren, Casey Davis, Zoe Davis, Sarah Rowe and Edie Rowe, 7 nephews and 2 nieces, John, Luke, Emily, Brian, Tim, Davidson, Jordan, Emily Gossett and Elliot.
The Celebration of Jim's Life will be held on March 16, 11:00 am, at Cornerstone Methodist Church in Houston.
Donations can be made to Cornerstone Methodist Church, 18081 West Rd, Houston, TX 77095, cornerstonegmc.org or to Citizens for Animal Protection at www.cap4pets.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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