James Gee "Jim" Searls

ODESSA James ""Jim"" Gee Searls passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 11, 2012, at Medical Center Hospital in Odessa, Texas.

Jim was born November 3, 1927, in Sulphur Springs, Texas, to Robert and Ondus Searls. After serving in the Navy during WWII, he attended Texas Tech University and graduated in 1951 with a B.S. in Geology.

A love for adventure took hold and Jim traveled the world (Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru, Kuwait, Libya and Monahans, Texas) with a career in the oil and gas industry before settling down at the family home in Odessa.

Jim enjoyed history and music but loved his bride of 59 years (Luisa Searls) and his two children (Robert Searls and Ceci Leonard). Jim was known for his quirky sense of humor by all and as a strict disciplinarian by his kids (fully appreciated in their adult years).

Jim is survived by his wife, Luisa of Odessa, Texas; son, Robert Searls of San Angelo, Texas and his wife, Yolanda; daughter, Ceci Leonard of Edmond, Oklahoma. He is also survived by two grandsons, James and Joe Leonard of Edmond, Oklahoma. Jim is also survived by his aunt, Ruth Searls of Odessa, Texas; nieces, Linda (Bob) Neidert of Lubbock, Texas, Susan (Roy) Collier of Odessa, Texas and nephew, John Searls of McKinney, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert S. Searls, Jr.

Jim enjoyed playing the guitar and loved all genres of music from Country and Western to Latin American. During his time spent in South America, he not only met and married Luisa, he also became fluent in Spanish and practiced the language at every opportunity throughout his life. He always said that the world was his playground and Texas was his home.

A private service will be held with immediate family.

Services entrusted to Hubbard kelly Funeral Home

Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.