James A. LeVelle

James A. LeVelle, 88, died at home on December 16, 2012. Jim was an outstanding husband, father, grandfather, and man. An engineer, magazine editor, sailor, farmer, storyteller, and tinker, he had a gentle and calm manner which was a blessing to his family and friends. Born November 7, 1924, in Mexia, Texas, he graduated from North Dallas High School. He attended Texas A&M until enlisting in the Navy’s V-12 program at SMU. After WWII, Jim received his M.A. in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M. Jim was member of ASME, Professional Engineering Society, and NOMADS. Jim retired from ARCO. He was an active member of Highland Park United Methodist Church for over 60 years. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Martha; daughters Marty Murray (husband, Mike) and Julie Joost (husband, John); son James LeVelle, Jr. (wife, Jeanne); grandchildren John Joost, Jr., Jeanette Larsen, Michelle Murray, Jill Garance, Blake Murray, Hannah LeVelle, Jason LeVelle, and Amy LeVelle; and great grandchildren Destiny Hunt, Payton Joost, Braden Joost, Julia Joost, CeCe Garance, Michael James Garance (Jay), and Riley Joost. A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Northwest Highway Chapel of Sparkman-Hillcrest at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 19, 2012. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Highland Park United Methodist Church (3300 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75205) or Friend’s Place in Richardson (1960 Nantucket Drive, Richardson, TX 75080).