James Robert Sappington

James Robert Sappington, born March 14, 1949 in Ponca City, Oklahoma passed on June 25, 2025 in Bryan, Texas. The Sappington family moved to Sulphur, Louisiana while Jim (JB) and his older brother Bill were still small. His parents, Imo and Sam worked for Conoco. JB loved growing up in the tight knit community where he developed lifelong friendships through church, school and playing sports. He developed a passion for golf at a young age, continuing to play well into retirement.
JB graduated from Landry High School in Lake Charles. Tales of exploits from his high school days were relived with gusto through the years. Upon graduation, JB went off to LSU and McNeese State where he received degrees in Technology and Business. Degrees in hand, Jim moved to Houston in 1972 to start his professional career.
Jim worked in the Engineering/Construction business for some of the big firms; Brown & Root, Kellogg Engineering, and Jacobs Engineering. His first days at Brown & Root he made friends who were still part of his core group to his last days. Jim worked on projects all over the world, but was sure to pack his golf clubs for any opportunity to play another round. He retired to Bryan, Texas in 2017 where he enjoyed golf and travel, especially family trips.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, William Thomas (Sam) and Louise Imogene (Imo) Sappington (nee Ericksten). He leaves his wife, Debra Janes Sappington; Brother William Thomas (Bill) Sappington, Jr. (wife Lyn); Nieces Michelle Lyn Gaskey (nee Sappington) and Heather Marie Sappington; Great Nephew Bryce Alexander Gaskey (wife Kirsten).
Services are pending coordination with family members. Jim will be buried in the columbarium at Saint Andrews Episcopal Church in Bryan, Texas where he served on the vestry.
Jim loved family, friends, golf, travel, great meals and all the dogs he's had through the years. Jim always said "my goal is to make people laugh every day". We are still laughing at his antics and will be for years!