James Arthur Monroe

James Arthur Monroe was born to William T. Monroe and Sadie Norris in Kansas City, Missouri on September 13th, 1950. As the youngest, he was well-loved by his older brother Emanuel Norris and sister Ruth Hill. James built his work ethic early, under the care of his mother, who was a dedicated homemaker and former domestic worker, and with his father who delivered ice blocks for iceboxes to homes. Often, James helped his father, and it was during this time that he built up strength and learned the value of hard work and helping people.

James was a determined and headstrong young man, who served as a member of the Boy Scouts of America. He was very adept at learning and acquired many patches that were representative of the myriad of skills he gathered while a part of the national service organization

Along with his siblings, James was firmly connected to his community and his faith. James gave his life to the Lord at a very young age, and allowed his life to exemplify service and love… for James, these were values that were actively shown rather than spoken.

James was a well-rounded student and showed athletic aptitude early. He soon became a star player at Kansas City’s Historic Lincoln High School, and even became a recognized All City high school football player. It was also here, where he learned a vocation that would be essential in changing his occupational goals and lifetime career. James was a loyal friend and made many lifelong connections with classmates, Fred and Al who have remained close to him and his family to this day.

After graduating high school in 1968, James entered the University of Missouri–Kansas City. It was here that he found his love of drafting. Always a natural artist, drafting seemed like a natural calling for him and led him into the field of structural design. Spatial differentiation was innate for him and in his illustrious career, he was a wise sounding board for countless engineers, who trusted his counsel and guidance for large-scale design plans. An avid learner, who thrived on gathering information and honing his skill, James also was a risk-taker, who was always ready to push the boundaries while never compromising safety which showcased the heart of structural engineering and made him premier in his field. This natural edge garnered him almost 50 celebrated years in the Oil and Gas industry as well as a myriad of local, regional, and even national recognition. His work also made him a name to know by many national companies who sought out his expertise.

Though he was very accomplished in his career, his crowning jewel and the object of his greatest affection was his wonderful family. His life would be forever changed when he met the beautiful Deborah Anderson in 1973 through a mutual friend. Always the helping hand

he answered the request to build a stereo set and the rest was history. A love bloomed that would bring together a loving and seamless blended family on May 14, 1980, when they married and celebrated their two children: Andre and Mia. The family enjoyed life in Kansas City, MO, but the opportunity offered the chance to start a new chapter in the Houston TX suburb of Alief. It has been here that the family has built a loving community of leaders, friends, raised their children, and acquired countless surrogates that love them as such. Their influence in the Houston Metropolitan area made them a loving and humble power couple that invested into the lives of all they touched.

James was known as a loyal and constant friend, and conversations with his lifers like Vastine, Tank, and Clifford were a source of joy for a man who loved to laugh. All who knew James were well acquainted with the laugh that filled the space. His joy was infectious and his presence was palpable. To know him was to know the description of dynamic, personified.

In his private time, he loved spending time with his queen, Deborah, traveling to various locations throughout the Caribbean, deep-sea fishing, and…. Sports cars. There was a need for speed in the man who loved and even owned specialized cars like his prized MGB and Triumphs. When he wasn’t traveling, he was a man of simple pleasure such as sitting with his love and watching “Let’s Make a Deal”.

James, who survived a quadruple bypass, determined that he would always live life on his terms and ensured that he did just that. He lived full and free, loved fiercely, took his rest on March 2, 2022.

James Monroe leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Deborah Monroe, his son, Andre LaMont Anderson, his daughter Mia Monique Monroe, and his grandchildren: Adrienne Anderson, Andre Anderson Jr., Erin Zachery, and Brandon Harris-Anderson. He will also be cherished and remembered by his beloved sister, Ruth Hill, Sister-in-law, Ann Norris, Brother-in-law, Charles W. Anderson, his niece, LaTonya Godfrey, his nephew, Barry Norris, and many relatives, colleagues, and friends. James was preceded in rest by his father, William T. Monroe, and his mother, Sadie Norris, as well as his brother, Emanuel Norris.

We would like to thank everyone who attended today to celebrate James’ life and the many extraordinary condolences to his family from friends, neighbors, and former co-workers. We are grateful and honored to have had the opportunity to share life, in all its wonderment with James; especially that infectious laugh.