Jim Thacker

A memorial service for James "Jim" Thacker, 70, of Pearland and formerly of Nacogdoches, will be held at 3:00pm on Friday, June 23, 2023 at Laird Funeral Home with Pastor Jay Hilton officiating. Mr. Thacker passed away on Saturday, June 17, 2023 in Pearland. He was born on August 14, 1952 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey.
Jim was born in New Jersey while his dad served in the Navy. He spent his childhood alongside his 6 siblings doing the typical things children do. As an adult, he longed to be in Texas and in 1985, he did just that, returning to the piney woods of East Texas. At some point, Jim went to Houston to visit family and loved the big city and vowed to live there some day. On New Year's Eve in 1987, he was attending a gathering with his cousins. He noticed a beautiful young lady, literally at his feet, and was immediately smitten. Jim made a call the very next day, and thus began a beautiful love story. He and Martha Austin were married a short 3 months later. They combined their household, complete with 4 teenagers! Jim loved Martha's children and she loved his. In September of 1987, they moved their family to Houston, exactly where Jim always dreamed of being. Together, they raised their children and made many beautiful memories. Several years later, they were blessed to be able to love another daughter, Briana. The bond they had with her was heartwarming. Jim was at a time in his life that he was able to take a partial retirement from managing the body shop and become "Mr. Mom". He was thrilled at the opportunity to attend all the school and extracurricular functions and be able to support his family. He also learned he was a pretty good cook and took great pleasure in having dinner ready each night for Martha. Jim adored all of his children and made sure they had all they needed. He loved, laughed and cried them through everything they had going on. He was a strong, funny and dedicated man who taught his children to be the same way. He was honest and devoted and never had as much joy as when he was surrounded by those he loved the most. The memories made with his children, Martha's children and Briana will forever be engraved in their hearts. The times he spent with Martha were very special. He loved her dearly and was always happy to get behind the wheel and drive to the many destinations they visited. He loved seeing the changing of the fall colors and the beautiful landscapes of our country. He also loved music. His favorite was the old classic rock-n-roll songs and always sang along. Jim as also proud of his heritage and made a special note to everyone that his 5th great grandfather fought in the Battle of San Jacinto!
Jim's life has been filled with many things, but love was the strongest and best thing he had. His short health battle led him and Martha to lean on those around them for the past few months. Richard Callahan and Paul Wilson answered that calling and their devotion meant the world to both Jim and Martha. The blessings they bestowed upon the family will never be forgotten.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Martha Austin Thacker; children, Briana Thacker, Misty Thacker, Gena Thacker, Amanda Rogers and Pastor Thomas Lee Rogers & wife, Traci; 3 grandchildren; siblings, Lura Fay Nation & husband, Bill, Joe Thacker and Helen McGovern; father-in-law, Thomas Austin; brother-in-law, Enos Austin & wife, Teresa and sister-in-law, Cheryl Austin; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Lura Ruth Sanders Thacker; siblings, Jesse Thacker, Rudy Sattler & husband, Don and Kitty Callahan; mother-in-law, Shirley Austin and brother-in-law, Wayne Austin.
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