James Joseph McCormick

James Joseph McCormick departed this life peacefully on the 30th of May 2025, in the presence of his beloved family. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on the 5th of August 1934, to Thomas James McCormick and Margaret Webber McCormick. He is survived by Anna, his devoted wife of 62 years; his daughters Deborah Palacios and Kimberly McCormick; granddaughter Lisa Elder Hamet (Nate) and great grandson Kasey James; and grandson Gabriel Palacios. Jim is also survived by his sister, Mary Lou Cook, niece Mary Jo Cook and nephew Daniel Cook, sister Janice McCormick Guthrie (Doug) and brother Dennis McCormick. He is preceded in death by his brother, Thomas McCormick.

Jim graduated Saint Rita High School in Chicago, Illinois, in 1953 then served in the United States Army. After basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he was transferred to Karlsruhe, Germany, until being Honorably Discharged. Upon returning home and influenced by his father and uncle, he began studying architecture and engineering at the University of Illinois in Champaign. Jim began his career at S.N. Nielsen Construction from 1957-1963, then became superintendent for Gust K. Newberg Construction Company from 1963-1972 where he worked on projects such as the Dresden Nuclear Power Plant and the Mighty 80” Hot Strip Mill at Inland Steel.

In 1972, Houston became the fastest growing city in the country and construction was a primary driver of this expansion. Jim saw the opportunity and took advantage of the booming industry and moved the family to Texas. He started his own construction company and built a broad range of projects for Fortune 500 companies, the U.S. Government, Harris County, the City of Houston and many private clients. He successfully developed retail, office, medical and multi-family residential projects. Jim not only built structures but friendships and a legacy that will stand tall for generations. He frequently said that if you love what you do you will never work a day in your life. What a blessing he found his God given gift.

His circle of lifelong friends stemmed from the many organizations he served through the years. During Jim’s tenure in construction, he was the founder of Harris County Municipal Utility District 86. Through his vision and guidance working with the District Board and Consultants the entire area experienced positive successful growth. In recognition of his tireless effort to ensure efficient operations the Administration building was named in his honor.

Jim volunteered with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo International Committee with his sweet Annie by his side. He was an ardent supporter of the Future Farmers of America, their work ethic impressed Jim, and he was especially touched how they cared for their animals, so it was a joy to assist. He had a soft spot in his heart for all his beloved dogs. He was a strong advocate for shelter animals and quietly donated to their care.

Jim was welcomed into an energetic and enthusiastic men’s business club appropriately named the Noisy Boys. He loved the weekly camaraderie and the preparation for the annual Houston Rodeo Barbecue Cook-off. He was also proud to be inducted into the Noisy Boy’s SOYA committee. He proudly displayed his monogrammed thermos to remind everyone of his new status! The love of grilling took him to Malibu where he supported his granddaughter Lisa’s Girl Scout Troop at their annual campout.

Jim was drawn to the open skies and the great outdoors. He found freedom in flight and peacefulness in nature. He was a private instrument rated pilot who flew his beloved Cessna 210, “N6166Charlie” all over North America exploring rivers, lakes and the ocean to find that incredible yet elusive fish for the greatest tale at the next campfire. He would often fly over our beautiful home in Lakeside Forest which he built and would “rock the wings” to say hello. It was always so exciting to hear the engine overhead as we waved to him. Jim would even volunteer to pick up dinner or dessert - little did we know he would fly to La Grange to get it! His adventurous spirit took him all over the world fishing and hunting with his buddies.

Jim had a witty sense of humor! His jokes and pranks were legendary, and you held a special place in his heart if you were “gifted” with one! Once he pulled one over on you, he would never let you forget it! He was a gifted storyteller with a twinkle forever in his eye, he had a way of weaving humor and wisdom into every tale. He brought people together with his stories, some true and some that just got better with time. His stories seemed a little sweeter when he was enjoying his favorite Blue Bell vanilla ice cream with Carrabba’s chocolate sauce.

Jim wholeheartedly cherished and loved his family. His entire life was devoted to his best friend and wife, “Annie” who shared 62 years of life together. He taught us the value of faith and trusting in God’s plan and showing us what it means to live with grace, humility, and purpose. He was a devoted Catholic whose teachings made an impression from a very early age. Jim enjoyed talking about his faith and loved when others shared their experiences. He treated people with respect and his handshake was his word. He believed an education and hard work can make the world a better place. He was an avid reader of history and passionate about current events and politics. Jim built a legacy of honesty, integrity, and love that endures in the lives of those who knew him.

Our family would like to thank Jim’s many friends who enriched and shared his joyful life. He was adored and cherished by so many who loved him and will miss him.

We would like to thank the entire team at Enhabit Home Hospice who demonstrated great care and compassion for Jim. We appreciated the exceptional care extended to him.

Friends are cordially invited to a Recitation of the Holy Rosary at half past nine o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 25th of June at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road in Houston, immediately followed by the Mass of Christian Burial commencing at ten o’clock in the morning, with the Rev. Peter Wood officiating.

For those unable to attend the service, virtual attendance may be accessed by selecting the “Join Livestream” icon in the service section below.

The family will gather for a private interment at a later date.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be directed to Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or by visiting www.stjude.org/donate; Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or by visiting https://t2t.org; or Rescued Pets Movement, The Jack C. Alexander Building, 2317 W 34th Street, Houston, TX 77018 or by visiting https://rescuedpetsmovement.org/donate.