James William Arpey

James William Arpey passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 28, 2017 in Conroe, Texas. He was born on October 2, 1932 in Saratoga Springs, New York. Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years Lorraine Marie, his son Michael who died in infancy, his father William Sr., mother Anna and his brother William Jr. He is survived by his devoted sons James of Montgomery, Texas and Gerard of Colleyville, Texas; his grandchildren Alexandra, James and Luke of Colleyville, Texas; and his beloved dog Freddy. After graduating from Saratoga Springs High School in 1951, Jim enrolled at the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance in Boston, MA (now Bentley University). His studies were interrupted by the Korean War where he served in the United States Air Force with distinction, being honorably discharged in July, 1956 after four years of active military duty. After his honorable discharge, Jim resumed his studies at Bentley and post-graduation embarked on a lifelong career in aviation. Jim was blessed with uncommon business acumen and gifted with natural leadership abilities. These strengths, along with his love for people, his unmatched drive and fortitude, combined to fashion him into a truly exemplary business leader. His career spanned many decades and many companies: from his start with General Dynamics and General Electric, to Trans World Airways, Frontier Airlines, Texas International Airlines and finally as the head of operations for Continental Airlines -- a position from which he retired in the mid-1990s. Jim instilled in his sons a strong work ethic, compassion for others and a love for all things aviation. Both his sons pursued careers in the aviation field and have lost count of the number of people they’ve crossed paths with who had a kind word to say about their father’s tremendous business skill, kindness and generosity. It seems to them that their father was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He will be greatly missed. The family wishes to acknowledge its heartfelt gratitude to son James Patrick Arpey for the unwavering devotion, compassion and care with which he tended to his parents in their final years. Sincere and heartfelt thanks are extended to all those who loved Jim in this life: to the many outstanding professionals at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, St. Luke’s Hospital in The Woodlands and the Conroe Regional Hospital. Special thanks are also extended to the many care givers that provided for Jim with warm and respectful care at home in his time of need. A private memorial service is planned for family and friends at the Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Houston SPCA. You may leave written memorials to his family at www.shmfh.com

James William Arpey

October 2, 1932 - December 28, 2017