James Harold Thatcher

Born on October 19,1938, in Portsmouth, Ohio, Jim was the son of the late Morris and Garnet Thatcher. His life was a testament to faith, family, and service.

Jim shared 66 years of a wonderful love story with his late wife Sharon, and together they built a beautiful life with a large, loving family and life-long friendships.

His legacy lives on through his five children and their spouses: Mike and Michele, Greg and Denise, Steve and Erin, Michelle, and Jennifer and Trey. He was a beloved grandfather to fifteen grandchildren and extremely proud great-grand father to three great grandchildren.

Upon graduation from the University of Cincinnati with a civil engineering degree, Jim served in the United States Army as company commander in the Corps of Engineers. Jim was a member of the military for 10 years and after his active duty, he went on to have a highly successful 33-year career with Shell Oil Company. His work with Shell in the Marketing Transportation Department took him to eleven different locations and included running the Metairie, La plant and managing the Transportation department for the western US. During his career, Jim earned a reputation for having strong people and problem-solving skills, along with his expertise as an engineer. Upon retirement from Shell, Jim used his talents for negotiating and problem-solving as a volunteer mediator at The Dispute Resolution Center of Montgomery County. He served as a dedicated mediator for over 20 years and resolved hundreds of legal matters, dispensing his own unique wisdom in each case.

Through it all, Jim was a man of deep faith. He lived out his faith with service in various leadership positions at the church communities where the family lived. Jim and Sharon were 30-year members at Christ Church Methodist in the Woodlands and Jim was still serving on the Staff Parish Relations Committee at the time of his death. In particular, Jim’s “Band of Brothers” were a constant source of community and spiritual growth over the many years.

Jim was devoted to his family and took pleasure in watching and encouraging both his children and later his grandchildren as they pursued their various activities. From the sidelines of soccer and football games to horse show rings, Jim was a dedicated fan that could always be counted on for support! Jim earned his Eagle Scout award and was especially proud that he was able to accompany each of his sons to Philmont Boy Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. His love for the outdoors and family continued with many memorable vacations at the family home in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.

Jim had a passion for travel and as the children were growing up, the family regularly went on camping vacations to the national parks. Later in life, he especially enjoyed the many ocean cruises he took with Sharon, creating cherished memories exploring the world. Jim also enjoyed playing golf and the time he spent with his golfing buddies, both on the course and having a celebratory meal.

Jim’s steadfast commitment and encouragement to his family and friends will be profoundly missed by all.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 4th at 3:00pm at Christ Church Methodist in the Woodlands.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Christ Church Methodist Memorial Fund.