Mr. Harry G. Jamail

Harry G. Jamail, one of the Founders of the internationally known Jim Jamail & Sons Food Market, and beloved paterfamilias to a large extended family, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, the 11th of April 2012, from natural causes, at the age of 86.

Harry grew up in poverty during the depression, but was gifted with an indomitable entrepreneurial spirit that revealed itself very early in life. After serving in the US Army during the Second World War, Harry returned to Houston with a vision to create a world class grocery store, building upon the stellar reputation his father had already secured in the produce business. Together, with his father, Jim, and brothers, Joe and Albert, Jim Jamail & Sons was founded. Originally located in Montrose, their combined talent introduced Houston to an incredible array of formerly unobtainable delicacies from around the world. Jim Jamail & Sons became one of the most successful luxury grocery stores of its era and was recognized throughout the world for the impeccable quality of its goods and services.

Harry also invested in commercial real estate ventures throughout the state of Texas and was gifted with an uncanny ability to spot a successful deal. He served on the Executive Board of the Martel Foundation and attended St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church faithfully for over 40 years.

Together with the love of his life, Betty Lou, who succumbed to cancer at 58, he enjoyed hunting dove, traveling the world, taking in the arts, collecting fine wines, and, of course, his cold gin martinis. Early on, Harry built a reputation for being not only a formidable poker player but a worthy boxing opponent, a conversation he was always ready to delve into.

Harry is pre-deceased by his wife Betty Lou; his son, Jeffrey George; brother, Albert N. Jamail; and sister, Elizabeth Jamail Yamin. He is survived by his son, Norris; two grandchildren, Justin and Christopher; two great grandchildren, Oscar and Brayden; sister, Marion Jamail Averyt; brother, Joe N. Jamail; as well as numerous extended family members.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening on Wednesday, the 18th of April, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where a Vigil Service is to commence at seven o’clock, led by Deacon Don Bradley of the St. Cecilia Catholic Community. Immediately following, all are invited to gather with the family and share remembrances of Harry during a reception in the adjacent Pavilion.

A Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at eleven o’clock in the morning on Thursday, the 19th of April, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc Drive in Houston, where the Rev. Donald Nesti, C.S.Sp., Director of the Center for Faith & Culture at the University of St. Thomas, is to serve as the celebrant.

The Rite of Committal is to follow, via an escorted cortege, at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Mr. Jamail's name be directed to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN, 38105; or to Our Lady of Cedars Maronite Church Building Fund, 11935 Bellfort Village, Houston, TX, 77031.