James Robert "Jim" Malphrus

James Robert "Jim" Malphrus UPPER James "Jim" Malphrus passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025 in League City, TX at the age of 76. He left behind a legacy of love, service, and cherished memories.

Jim was born on April 10, 1948 in Waukegan, Illinois to Richard Altman and Lorraine Elizabeth Bray. He spent most of his childhood on Whidbey Island in the Pacific Northwest where he discovered his love for fishing and the sea. After graduating from high school, he joined the Navy and served aboard the USS America during the Vietnam War. After 6 years of service he returned home to Washington State and enrolled at Western Washington University where he obtained his degree in engineering. More importantly, he also met the love of his life, Natalie. He later continued his education at The University of Minnesota where he earned his Masters in Business.

He was fortunate enough to have a career that he loved, working in defense-related areas for Honeywell and then Alliant Techsystems in positions of increasing responsibility in locations across the country, including Washington State, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Missouri, finally settling in the Texas Gulf Coast. After retiring from ATK, he continued his love of work and engineering, taking over responsibility as the General Manager for the Galveston County Navigation District No. 1, which oversees the historic Pelican Island Bridge. His final years overseeing the maintenance and planned replacement of the bridge were among his favorites.

Jim was a devoted husband and loving father. Jim and Natalie enjoyed 48 years of marriage filled with adventures, including the opportunity to travel the world both together and with their 2 children and many of their 5 grandchildren.

Jim is survived by Natalie, children Darcie Schlegel (Jeff) and Richard Malphrus (Julia), mother-in-law Mary Moore, and siblings Steve Malphrus, Judy Malphrus, Robert "Bob" Malphrus, Mary Lou Lauwereins, Teresa Malphrus, Tom Malphrus and John Malphrus. He is also survived by his five grandchildren Anna, Ethan, Delaney, Andrew and Nathaniel.

The entire Malphrus family would like to thank everyone for their tremendous love and support during this difficult time. A celebration of life will be held in Texas and Seattle to commemorate Jim's incredible life and the indelible impression he left behind. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Wounded Warrior Project on Jim's behalf.