John Thomas Golden

During his high school years, JT excelled in various activities, including basketball and football, band and orchestra, Glee Club, Student Council, yearbook staff, and the National Honor Society. He was also voted "Most Popular Boy" in his Senior year.

After high school, JT served two years in the United States Marine Corps, achieving the rank of Sergeant. He then attended Southern Methodist University, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. His studies were interrupted in October 1950 when he was recalled by the Marine Corps for the Korean War. He returned to SMU and graduated with a B.B.A. degree in August 1953.

Following graduation, JT moved to Houston, Texas, and began his career at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company as a claims adjuster. While working, he attended night classes at the University of Houston Law School, earning his LL.B. in January 1960. JT was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1959 and joined the firm of Vinson and Elkins in the insurance trial section, becoming a partner in January 1970. He was an active member of the Texas Association of Defense Counsel for over 50 years and served as President from 1984 to 1985. JT retired in 1992 and joined Hayes McConn in 1993 as "of counsel” to finish out his law career.

Outside of work JT enjoyed sports, traveling and music. He was a devoted sports fan, holding season tickets for both the Oilers and Astros for many years. He had a lifelong love for music and his children fondly remember him always whistling around the house. JT had a huge enjoyment of wine and was instrumental in establishing the Kingwood Wine Club. His family and friends will also remember him for his story telling, witty sayings and wisecracks.

JT is preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his four children, Grace Carolyn Griffith Golden, his grandson Tyler Jay Foley, his second wife, Mildred Kendrick Golden and his brother Robert Blake Irvine .

He is survived by his children Elizabeth (Mark) Achorn, David (Daniela) Golden, Gretchen (Keith) Foley, and Judy (Steve) Jordan; his step-children Scott (Susan) Sandlin and Carol (John) Heathcock; his grandchildren Kendall, Krista, Rachel, Suzanne, Megan, Nathan, Cullen, Travis, Courtney, Kylie, Joey, Chris and Ben; and his many great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life with Catered Reception will be held at Kingwood Funeral Home, located at 22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, TX 77339, US. The event is scheduled for September 26, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Camp Hope, Planned Parenthood, or an organization of your liking.