James Corlett Sykes

James Corlett Sykes passed away the evening of February 19, 2013 from complications related to End-stage Alzheimer’s Disease. Jim, or Jimmy, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Houston, Texas on November 17, 1938, to Mark Corlett and Erlyne Woolard Sykes. In 1939, the family moved to Bay City, where they remained for many years. Jim attended school there and graduated from Bay City High School in 1956. He received a degree in Petroleum Marketing from Tulsa University, which led him to a thirty-five year career in marketing with Texaco, Inc.

While attending high school, Jim met Dorothy Ann Cox. They were married in 1960 and celebrated 52 years of marriage last April. Through the years, Dorothy and Jim enjoyed working on various projects together. They especially liked gardening and “yard projects,” which always made them proud of their home. Jim was a master at woodworking and created masterpieces, from wooden trays to furniture. They also loved fishing and enjoyed a home in Rockport, before moving back to Houston, just recently.

Through the years, Jim also played his share of golf and enjoyed hunting. In 1996, grandchildren began arriving, giving him another favorite pastime and another name, “Pop.”

Jim is survived by his wife, Dorothy, his daughter, Shannon Miller of Livermore, CA and his son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Casey Sykes of Katy, TX. Beloved grandchildren, who will dearly miss their Pop, are Caitee, Ralph and Josie Miller and Peyton, Kendall and Logan Sykes. Also surviving is Jim’s brother, Robert L. Sykes and his wife, Karen. Many other family members and friends will dearly cherish Jim’s memory. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law, David Miller.

Visitation with the family will be at 1:00 pm on Monday, February 25 at Forest Park Westheimer, preceding the funeral service at 2:00pm. For those desiring, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.