James Norman Pell

James Norman Pell, 84, passed away Thursday, October 9, 2025, in San Marcos, Texas. Jim was born May 15, 1941, to Victor Norman "Mike" Pell and Vida Louise Eignus Pell in Houston, Texas at St. Joseph's Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Patti Pell Grant of Dallas. A loving and generous husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Lillie Longbotham Pell and his two greatly loved sons, Doug of Wimberley and Scott of Kemah and was the proud Poppy to Scott's twin daughters, Emily and Lauren, of Houston. Jim is survived by his sister Marilyn and husband Bruce of Pearland, numerous nephews and nieces, and brother-in-law Grady Longbotham of Iola, Kansas.
Jim grew up in Webster and after graduating Clear Creek High School he attended Trinity University in San Antonio and then the University of North Texas in Denton. Jim and Lillie married before their senior year at North Texas, graduating in 1963. He accepted a teaching position at Mercedes High School in the Rio Grande Valley, where Lillie taught as well. He taught there for two years, became a father to Doug in 1965 and returned to Webster to study accounting and become a CPA. Soon after the birth of Scott in 1970 he started his business and moved the family to Friendswood. He was dedicated to and very much enjoyed his work in Friendswood and spent many hours there until he sold the practice in 1994 and moved to Wimberley in 1995. Later he joined the IRS in Austin as a tax analyst for seventeen years, well into his eighties.
Jim always looked forward to the many family gatherings hosted by his parents, Vida and Mike and in-laws Vina and Grady Longbotham. He had a wonderful sense of humor, an infectious laugh and a great smile. Having played ball in High School, he remained a sports fan, always attending his sons' games any time they were playing ball. He enjoyed following the Oilers and Rockets and going to games when he could. In later years he became a Longhorn football fan and anticipated football season each year, following the news off season as well.
Jim loved country music. He followed all the greats, especially George Jones and Merle Haggard. Watching them perform and dancing to their music, along with Marilyn, Bruce and friends was a special pleasure for him. He had great memories of the family snow skiing trips to New Mexico and Colorado during the 70s and 80s, and fun summer trips to Lake McQueeny, Bandera and Big Bend. Other memorable trips were with his mom to see the beautiful fall landscape of New England and to New Paltz, NY to see where some of her family originally settled in the US. A trip he especially enjoyed was visiting his high school buddy Elloyd Lottridge in Washington, DC.
His family wishes to send a heartfelt thanks to nurses and doctors who were very caring and supportive at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital and Hospice in San Marcos.
Jim lives in the hearts of his family and will always be remembered with great love.
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