James Hillman Eaves

He graduated with honors from Baylor University in 1974 with a BA in physics and an MA in Nuclear Engineering from Texas A&M University in 1976. He was first employed by the Hanford Nuclear Power Plant in Washington State and Radiation Research Associates in Ft. Worth. He also pursued an MA in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington and worked at General Dynamics on military aircraft design. The majority of his career was spent at Wolf Creek Nuclear Power Plant in Kansas where he retired almost six years ago as a senior reactor engineer.

He is survived by his younger brother Mark, sister-in-law Lisa, niece Marisa LePak and her husband Ted, and grandniece Evelyn, all of Fort Worth, as well as several cousins and an aunt. Numerous friends, including his adopted family of hiking friends, will miss him as well.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother.

Jim shared a love for hiking and outdoor photography with his brother. Together, they summitted numerous peaks in several states including Mt. Rainier, Mt. Elbert, Mt. St. Helen’s, Wheeler Peak, Guadalupe Peak, Mt. Lassen, Mt. Guyot. He was part of a special group of hiking friends who went on trips together all over the US, including Alaska and Hawaii. Jim had visited all but one of the national parks in the lower 48. He was a gifted photographer who had an eye for detail.

Having an extensive library of classical music, Jim frequently attended concerts and symphonies. He also enjoyed car shows and was a coffee connoisseur with an appreciation of fine food. Additionally, he was a

Christian, baptized by his Southern Baptist pastor father when he was nine years old.

A memorial service is planned with details pending. If desired, memorials may be made to The Cliburn or the National Park Foundation.