James Edward Mullally

James Edward Mullally was born November 5, 1941 in Beaumont, Texas to Joseph Thomas Mullally and Josephine Delores Quartararo. He spent his younger years playing baseball with his lifelong friends and attending St. Anthony’s High School in Beaumont. He was a graduate of Lamar University, Class of 1963, with a degree in Commercial Arts. He married Valerie LeMaire of Beaumont on November 28, 1963, and they were blessed with 54 years of marriage during which they reared children, traveled, and enjoyed their grandchildren.

James’ first professional endeavor was opening the “Mullally Sign Shop” where he painted advertising signs for local Beaumont businesses before hanging up the brushes to begin his 54-year career in Industrial Product Sales. His career started with Gulf Supply Co. in 1964 which took him to Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Houston. In 1988, he and Valerie made the decision to move to New Jersey for another opportunity where he spent almost 20 years with Silbo Industries. In 2006, wanting to be closer to children and grandchildren, they moved to Conroe where he continued to work for Silbo until his retirement in November 2016.

While James’ career took him all over the world, he and Valerie also enjoyed endless travel as empty nesters visiting their children, then grandchildren and beautiful places.

James was especially proud of his “Gaelic and Garlic” heritage. Some of his fondest memories included celebrating St. Patrick’s Day by marching in NYC parades or having dinner and drinks in Little Italy, NYC with his friends and family. He loved exploring both lines of his ancestry by visiting Ireland and Italy on numerous occasions. He obtained his dual citizenship in 2000 to permanently connect him to Ireland. He was a proud and active member of Ancient Order of Hibernians, Division 9, Montclair, NJ where he was honored as Man of the Year in 2006.

James was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, first in Montclair, NJ and most recently at Sacred Heart Church in Conroe, Texas. He took great pride in serving the community and enjoyed playing golf with his fellow knights. He was honored as Knight of the Year in both councils in 2006 and 2015. The Knights of Columbus were devoted prayer warriors and great sources of comfort to him until the end.

Some of his fondest moments were spent solving the world’s problems with family and friends from the front porch of Valally Farm. He had a strong opinion about just about everything, and if you didn’t know how James felt about something, you didn’t know him very well! He also enjoyed chewing a cigar stub while riding around on his tractor and painting in his art studio.

James Edward, Harv, Dad, Papa, Pops loved to tell a story but was also a great listener. He nostalgically recounted stories of childhood antics, professional successes and friends / family. His retelling of any story was always more entertaining than the actual event leading to his reputation as “The Man, The Myth, The Legend.”

He never forgot a face or name and made incredible efforts to stay connected with people he met all along his 76-year journey.

James loved all things baseball. He cheered on the Yankees when he was a Yankee himself but fell right back into supporting his beloved Astros when he returned to his Texas roots. Watching the Astros win the World Series was a huge thrill.

If you were fortunate enough to know James, you know that above all, he lived his life with Faith, Love, Hope and Charity. He positively touched countless people along his path of life. He lived his life with a firm belief in God and eternal life with Him at the end of this earthly one.

Family was everything to James. He leaves behind the love of his life, Valerie, and his devoted children Andy (Paige) Mullally, Joanie (Stacy) Shamblin, Jeanie (Mike) Grant. His adoring grandchildren are Elizabeth (Matt) Jaco, Lauren (Britt) Robertshaw, Meredith Grant, Travis Grant, James Van Shamblin, Maren Mullally and Jack Mullally. He enjoyed many wonderful times with his siblings; Patricia (Bill) Sherk, Stephanie (Karl) Gager, Tim (Arlene) Mullally and sisters-in-law; Mary Ann Montalbano and Dorothy Jacobs and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation for James will be held Monday, June 25, 2018 from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Metcalf Funeral Directors, 1801 E White Oak Terrace, Conroe, Texas. A rosary will occur 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral mass will occur Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 109 N Frazier St, Conroe, Texas with an "Irish Wake" to follow the funeral at 3:30 PM.