James Eugene Locke

James Eugene “Jim” Locke, a lifelong Christian, proud native West Virginian and Navy and Army veteran who was steadfastly devoted to God, his family and his country, passed away peacefully Sept. 27, 2023, in Houston. He was 98.

Jim was born Oct. 22, 1924, in Burchfield, West Virginia, to Hobart and Daisy (Brookover) Locke, one of seven children. He attended Big Run Elementary School and Pine Grove High School. Following his high school graduation in 1942, he enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17. After completing boot camp on his 18th birthday, he was sent to Pearl Harbor Naval Receiving Station, where he was assigned to the Battleship North Carolina. He spent nearly four years with the Pacific Fleet and received five battle stars for his service.

Following his naval service, he enrolled at West Virginia University, earning a bachelor of science in agriculture. While attending WVU, Jim took ROTC and later attended the infantry school at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he served in the Army Reserves. He was called to active duty and served as commanding officer of Company B, 983rd Engineers.

Jim married Elfrieda Mays on April 21, 1950, in Paden City, West Virginia. Together they had two children, Douglas Locke and Jane (Locke) McCaig. They were married 67 years until her death April 4, 2017.

Jim spent his career at the Mobay Chemical Company, working at the plants in New Martinsville, West Virginia, and Baytown, Texas, as well as the company’s corporate office in Pittsburgh.

Following retirement, he most enjoyed spending time with his family, reading political books and being an active member of Glorious Way Church in Houston. There was nothing he loved more than God, his family and his country.

Jim is survived by his daughter Jane Ann (Thomas) McCaig; and grandchildren Mark (Amy) McCaig and Marie McCaig, all of Houston, as well as his youngest sister, Shirley, of Menifee, California. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son; brothers Burl, Murl and Mac; and sisters June and Patsy.

Pastors from Glorious Way Church will officiate his funeral, which will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 5 at Brookside Funeral Home - Champions, located at 3410 Cypress Creek Parkway in Houston. Interment will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park in New Martinsville, West Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Glorious Way Church (http://gwc.cc).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brooksidechampions.com for the Locke family.