James Lockert Sleeper, Jr., aged 97, was born in Valley Mills, Texas, on the 8th of May 1916 and passed away on the 15th of February 2014. Following his graduation from Waco High in 1925, he attended Baylor University where he obtained his BBA degree with a dual major in accounting and geology. He graduated from Texas Tech University with an MS in geology in 1941 and went to work for Texaco as an oil field scout in Midland. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1941 and became an aerial photographic interpreter with Alaskan Air Command in the Aleutian Islands, until he was honorably discharged in June of 1946. He returned to Midland, as a geologist with Texaco, where he met and married the love of his life, Elizabeth Smith, in El Paso on the 29th of October 1949. They lived in Fort Worth, Texas; suburbs of New York, New York; and Tulsa, Oklahoma before moving to Houston in April 1968. After 40 years with Texaco, Lockert retired and became an independent oil operator.
Lockert was on the Board of Directors of the YMCA, Mental Health Association, Midland Symphony, and Midland United Fund. He was active in the Rotary Club, Houston Geological Society, and Houston Chamber of Commerce. Lockert was also a member of the Houston Racquet Club, Houston Club, and Horseshoe Bay Club. He served on the Vestry of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Midland and was an usher and served on several committees at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.
First and foremost, Lockert enjoyed life with his family. He was the happiest when involved with his grandchildren and their activities. He enjoyed golf, fishing, crossword and jigsaw puzzles, gardening, bird watching, and traveling throughout the world with his wife and friends.
Predeceased by his parents James Lockert Sleeper and Hannee Hardie Sleeper, he is survived by his beloved family: his loving wife of 64 years, Elizabeth Smith Sleeper; his son, David Lockert Sleeper and wife Barbara; and his daughter, Frances Sleeper Moore. He is additionally survived by his grandsons, Ryan Sleeper, Robert Sleeper and David Moore; granddaughter, Karen Sleeper; granddaughter Emily Merritt and husband John, all of whom he loved dearly and was immensely proud.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the health professionals at the Hallmark Health and Wellness Center and the team of caregivers at Hospice Compassus.
The memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 21st of February, at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent Bagby Parish Hall.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to the Retina Research Foundation, 1977 Butler Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030; or St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, 717 Sage Rd., Houston, TX, 77056.
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