Jimmy Hairell

Today, we gather to celebrate the incredible life of Jimmy Hairell. Born in Yoakum, Texas, Jimmy grew up with four brothers and one sister. Despite growing up in poverty, picking fruits and cotton to make ends meet, Jimmy's determination and resilience were evident from an early age. His father, handicapped from World War II, relied on his children to contribute to the family.

Jimmy left high school and was drafted into the Vietnam War. After two years of service, he emerged as an E-5 Sergeant and joined the Houston Police Department. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and became a key member of the Auto Theft Division. I vividly remember him calling my mother, asking her to pack him clothes and an overnight bag as he pursued auto theft rings across Texas and into Mexico. We always worried when the phone rang late at night.

After several years of stakeouts, SGT. Jimmy Hairell transitioned to the Burglary and Theft Division. He balanced his demanding city job with a full-time position at Commercial State Bank, where he worked for 18 years. His dedication was unparalleled, leaving home at 5 a.m. to open the bank and then working his city job until late into the night. He managed this while also being a partner in a gun shop, radiator shop, and security guard company. Eventually, he returned to the streets as a Field Supervising Sargent at Northeast patrol station, leading a Zero Tolerance Unit. This is where I got to ride with him as they went out and busted drug dealers on the corner. After 22 years with the HPD, he retired but continued his service with the Harris County Constable’s Office for another 18 years, eventually reaching the rank of Lieutenant. We were immensely proud of him, as was he.

Jimmy balanced his rigorous work schedule with his love for hunting and long motorcycle rides. He never wanted to waste sick or vacation time, saving it for family hunting trips. When his first grandson, Cannon, was born, his joy was boundless. I remember finding him riding a three-month-old Cannon around the neighborhood on a 4-wheeler, eagerly awaiting the day he could take him hunting.

Tragically, after 31 years together, my mother succumbed to cancer in 2000. Jimmy was her devoted caregiver during her final years, truly her angel. Later, he found happiness again with Ricki, who had also lost her spouse. Together, they created a joyful life, spending the last 22 years spoiling their grandchildren. Loving the whole family and all the children.

Jimmy was the epitome of a fine human being, making the ultimate sacrifices for his country, family, city, and county. I had the honor of calling him Dad and Papa. Lt. Jimmy Hairell, you will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Thank you for all you have done. Fly with the angels, as you were chosen to do. Rest in peace, Dad.

A visitation for Jimmy will be held Tuesday, July 2, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. A committal service will occur Wednesday, July 3, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038. A reception will occur Wednesday, July 3, 2024 from 11:45 AM to 1:45 PM, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, July 3, 2024 from 9:45 AM to 10:45 AM, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038.