James Lee "Jim" Conway

James "Jim" Lee Conway departed this world to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 in League City, Texas at the age of 78. He was born on March 22, 1947 in Independence, Missouri to Merle and Helen Conway. Raised on a humble farm, Jim aspired to do something different, ultimately becoming the first member of his family to finish college. A proud graduate of The University of Missouri in 1969, Jim embarked on a career in business, which spanned fifty years. Beginning as an entry-level feed salesman, he ascended through 5 different companies, spanning 13 locations, culminating as the VP of Sales and Marketing at Griffin Industries, where he also served as Vice Chairman for the National Biodiesel Board. He retired from Darling International as a senior level executive in 2019.

The career was a backdrop for his true life's ministry, which was providing and caring for his remarkable wife, Jill Conway, and their four loving children. Jim was a family man through and through, putting the wellbeing of his loved ones above all else. He loved taking his family on adventurous trips across the country. His passion for making those journeys perfect was always appreciated and his reactions when they fell just short of perfection were part of his charm. He was passionate about youth sports, carting four kids to various venues, ensuring they were never late. He was the coach to several teams and served on the Board of Directors for the Rockwall Pony Baseball League. Offering encouragement to a son after a tough loss or crumbling at the sight of a distressed teenage daughter, he was always there with a warm hug, gentle support, and unwavering love.

Jim loved local sports teams, raw oysters, talk radio, good deals, fantasy sports, dinners with family, a consistent strike-zone, his loyal Pomeranians (Jake & Joey), all the pets before them, gatherings with friends, and a spirited card game. He recently jumped headfirst into the League City bridge community and was enjoying the new relationships and network of friends. It was reminiscent of his glory days, back in the Hills of Walden neighborhood in Kansas City, MO, where he and Jill formed their love of bridge and the strong community bonds which accompany it. But the highlight of his retirement was the free time to cheer on his grandchildren. He'd traverse Houston proper or fly across the county, to relish his grandchildren's sporting events. Whether it was a swim meet, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, football, basketball, soccer or field hockey game, he was cheering from the front row and unquestionably their #1 fan! Guided by his devout Catholic faith, as well as the ethics and morals instilled by his parents, he was a loyal son, devout husband, and loving dad. Most importantly, he was a good man!

Preceded in death by his father, Merle Joseph Conway, mother Helen Mitts Conway, brother Thomas Conway, beloved aunt and uncle Clarence and Rose Conway. Survived by his loving wife Jill, daughter Shannon Conway Hudgins, son in law Jay Hudgins of Cypress, TX; daughter Mia Conway Hearle and her children James Reed and Joseph Dalton Hearle of New Canaan, CT; son Ryan Conway, daughter in law Athena Conway and their daughter Melody Conway of Sicily Italy; son Nick Conway, daughter in law Kristi Conway and their children Dean and Claire Conway of Houston, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The Family will receive friends during a visitation from nine-thirty to ten-thirty in the morning on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 with a Funeral Mass proceeding at ten-thirty at St. Mary of the Expectation Catholic Church, 1612 East Walker, League City, Texas 77573, with Father John Rooney presiding. A private graveside service will be held for the family immediately following the service. A reception will be held for friends and family from one o'clock until three-thirty in the afternoon, at a destination to be announced at the service. Funeral services to be provided by Crowder Funeral Home, 1645 East Main Street, League City, TX 77573.

In lieu of customary remembrances, donations may be made in honor of Jim Conway for childhood diabetes research to Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes at www.breakthrought1d.org.