James "Jim" Lafferty Glass

JAMES LAFFERTY GLASS Born in Houston in 1932, Jim died on April 15, 2010 of heart and diabetes complications. He attended the Kinkaid School from 1937 to 1949. After studies in Paris, France, and Mexico City, he received a BFA degree from the University of Houston and served in both the U.S. Naval Reserve and the U.S. Army Medical Corps from 1950 to 1958. He co-founded the Kelvin Group creative community in 1960 and the international Society for Environmental Graphic Design in Washington, D.C. in 1972, serving as president and Fellow. His career as a designer was rich with rewards and honors.

He was appointed to the Houston Municipal Arts Commission by former Mayor Welch in 1976 and served as its chairman, and by County Judge Jon Lindsay in 1991 to the Harris County Historical Commission – re-confirmed by County Judge Ed Emmett in 2009 – in addition to service on several museums, civic, and non-profit organization and boards relevant to his constituency in the arts and humanities. As a member of the Houston Archeological Society, the Harris County Historical Society, and the Harris County Heritage Society, he authored many research papers and published articles on Houston’s founding years. He also drew and published many historical maps and views of this area as it was from 1836 to 1838. He and his family were avid sailors for some thirty years and members of the Houston Yacht Club. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo in 2007.

He returned his talents to God’s service as a member of the Serra Club of Houston to promote religious vocations and attended St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church since 1940, where he was involved with the Holy Name Society, Parish Council, Pastor Jamail’s advisory group, Mission Statement group, as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister and on committees to encourage conversions, the Physical Plant committee, the 1976 Bazaar restoration committee and other organizations, committees, and councils for over fifty years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Berkeley and Leola Corey Glass, and by his sister, Berklyn Glass Paty. He deeply loved his close family and is survived by his wife of 55 years, Gail M. Glass, and their children Berkeley and Ann Glass of Houston; Elizabeth and Michael Heritage of Castle Rock, CO; Stephen and Laura Glass of Anaheim, CA; Ethan and Katherine Glass of Austin, TX; and Jennie Glass of Austin, TX. He also leaves seven grandchildren, four nieces and two nephews.

Friends are invited to attend a Visitation at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home, on Monday, April 19, 2010, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Mass of the Resurrection will be held on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6800 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77025. A private Rite of Committal will be held at a later time in Glenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of the usual remembrances, contributions may be made to the St.Vincent de Paul Adopt-a-Student Program, providing scholarships for underprivileged students. Please call 713-667-9111 for information.