James T. Jongebloed

James Theodore Jongebloed, Sr., beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, brother-in-law and friend, went to be with his Lord and Savior, surrounded by his family, on Friday, the 10th of June 2016. He was 74.

Jim was born on the 27th of October 1941, in Mobile, Alabama, to Nick and Mathilda Jongebloed. He graduated from McGill High School with a football scholarship to the University of Houston along with his identical twin brother Johnny. Jim received a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Houston, and was a proud member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He then went on to receive a law degree from the South Texas College of Law.

Jim’s career in the energy industry spanned over four decades, he began at Sinclair Refinery, became a process engineer at Fluor Corporation and then was general counsel and VP of Operations of Atwood Oceanics. He later joined Pool Intairdrill as head of international operations. He took Pool Intairdrill public as Pool Energy Services, where he served as Chairman, President, and CEO. Jim was respected and beloved by his co-workers.

After retiring from Pool in 1999, he served on the Board of Directors of several companies including, Nuevo Energy and Lufkin Industries.

In his business travels around the globe he always found time to seek out unique souvenirs and gifts to bring back to his family. His family loved hearing the stories about all the remote places he would go, and he often arranged for Renée and the kids to travel with him.

Jim was devoted to his loving wife Renée, they had a love affair beyond measure and were married for 52 joyful years. It was love at first sight for Renée the moment that Jim walked into the Cougar Den at U of H. Jim adored Renée with all his heart and nothing made him happier than being with her. He enjoyed the special time they were able to spend together after he retired. Jim looked after everyone in his family, and he truly enjoyed helping others. He took care of his Mother-in-law, Minnie Broussard and Aunt Mamie Bilao until the day they died.

Jim was a mentor to many people; he had a special way to provide counsel to the many who looked up to him. He enjoyed the success of others and was admired for his humility and kindness.

He loved watching Houston Cougar Football and was thrilled to go to the stadium with his family and watch the “Coogs” win. He was thrilled recently to meet Coach Tom Herman and to share his excitement about the program.

He was immensely proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed attending their various sports and arts activities. Jim loved his children and grandchildren dearly and was enveloped in their love.

He is survived by his loving wife Renée Broussard Jongebloed; his son, Jimmy and his wife Seita; daughter, Jenée Bobbora and her husband Bill; and his adoring grandchildren, Jenna Bobbora, and Jimmy, Jake and Annika Jongebloed. He is also survived by his sister, “Sissy” Mary Elizabeth Russell and his beloved nephew John Jongebloed who spent many years at his Uncle Jim’s side. “Uncle Jim” was a hero to his many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Nick, Joe and Johnny.

He was a tireless worker who was somehow completely dedicated to his family and his career at the same time. His family asked his advice on everything. He was smart and funny and was always making us laugh. He had great faith. He fought health battles for many years with grace and also with a strength that was unbelievable. He will be dearly missed, he was our Superman, our hearts are shattered.

The family would like to recognize with special thanks Dr. Ritsuko Komaki and Dr. Milvia Pleitez.

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 Friday, the 17 of June, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where a recitation of the holy rosary, led by Deacon Leonard Lockett, is to commence at half-past five o'clock.

A Mass of Christian Burial is to be offered at ten o'clock in the morning on Saturday, the 18th of June, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Road in Houston, where the Rev. Jeffrey Bame, Parochial Vicar & Administrator Pro Tempore, is to celebrate. Honored to serve as pall bearers during the services are Larry Melody, Robert Givens, Gary Lowe, Pete Cobb, John Jongebloed, Jr., Kelly Broussard, Joe Broussard and Bret Broussard. Serving as honorary pall bearers are Nick Petronio, Geoff Arms, Ernie Spillard, Frank Putman, Stefan Russell, Larry Larkin, David Evans and John Broussard

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent Parish Life Center. The family will then gather for a private Rite of Committal in the Garden of Gethsemane at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in honor of James Jongebloed, Sr. be directed to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or www.mdanderson.org/gifts