James H. Kinsey

James H. ""Jay"" Kinsey, 90, longtime resident of Baytown was born June 13, 1917 in Athens, TX and passed away peacefully Thursday, May 22, 2008 in Baytown. He was a member of Memorial Baptist Church, past Master of the Brookshire Masonic Lodge, past Patron of the Brookshire Chapter Order of the Eastern Star and member of the Pioneer Oil Producers Society of Houston. He was also a member of the Baytown Goose Creek Country Club, Rotary Club and Exxon Annuitants Club.

Jay began his career with Humble Oil and Refining Company (ExxonMobil) at the age of 19 as a roustabout in March 1937 in the Monroe City Field near Anahuac. After working in various job classifications he was promoted to gas plant superintendent in 1948. Because of his work ethics and determination, he continued to advance to District Superintendent and District Manager. His career took him to the oil and gas fields of East and South Texas and along the Gulf Coast. On January 1, 1977 the formation of Exxon Gas Systems, Inc. became a reality and Jay was named Director and Vice President of Operations. He held this position until his retirement July 1, 1981 with over 44 years of service.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Della Barkley Kinsey and his wife, Elsie Marie Kinsey. He is survived by a son, Robert E. Kinsey of Los Angeles, CA; daughter and son-in-law, Jean and John Lawrence of Midland; grandsons, J. Jay and Bobby Lawrence of Midland; and several nieces and nephews.

His family will receive friends Sunday, May 25, 2008 from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the chapel of Memorial Baptist Church, 600 W. Sterling Ave., Baytown, TX 77520 with funeral services to follow at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Brad Hoffmann officiating. A private family graveside service will follow at Anahuac Cemetery.

His family wishes to extend a very heartfelt thanks to his very special caregiver, Rose Wynne for her years of faithful and loving care and a special thanks to Dr. Chris Hayes for his excellent care and Julia and the rest of the staff at Remington Park Assisted Living Facility.

Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr. Baytown, Texas 77521, (281) 422-8111.