James Reece McClendon

James Reece "Jimmy" McClendon of Huntsville and Houston, passed away suddenly on Friday, July 29, 2016. He was born June 9, 1943, the son of James Edward and Juanita (Davis) McClendon. James was born and grew up in Huntsville, graduated from Huntsville high school in 1961 and attended Sam Houston State College, now university then went into the U.S. Army and Army Reserve where he served for several years. He worked as a construction electrician for Brown and Root before getting into the steel business in sales. Jimmy Mac, as he is affectionately known, never met a stranger and seemed to know about half the people who might come walking down the street. Jimmy was the embodiment of traditional ‘cowboy’ values: love of family, country, loyalty, and hard, honest work. James was an active member of Tejas Vaqueros, Class of ’93. He was a Lifetime Committeeman of the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, serving on the Ticket Sales, Calf Scramble, Quarter Horse, and Ranch Rodeo committees. He was a charter member of “The Bottomless Pit” cooking team, participating in the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Bar-B-Que Contest almost from its inception. Jimmy was a man of humility, humor, wit and strong values, truly the person who believed in giving a hand up, not a hand out. He always had a twinkle in his eye, a swagger to his step and despite his success, he never took himself too seriously. Instead, he'd tell a joke, at times a bawdy one or two, all in an effort to make those around smile. He always had a smile on his face and was generous with his time and heart. He was an avid collector and particularly liked restoring old cars. He loved golf, horses and storytelling; no one ever left James without a smile on their face. He is survived by his wife, Pamela Jo McClendon, his sister, Lynita Kelldorf, his niece and nephew Kasie and Travis Kelldorf, his large extended family, Gus and Patsy Shultz, Jack and Katherine Shultz, their children Hadley, Wyatt, Cole, and Audrey, Nathan and Jenny Wickett, and Russell and Natalie Price and their children Charli and Reagan, his Vaquero Brothers, his friends from The Bottomless Pit Team, and many, many other special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Edward Lewis McClendon. James, you are much loved and you will be missed terribly. The final arrangements for James Reece McClendon have been made. Family Visitation: Tuesday, August 2nd from 6pm to 8pm at the Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 Normal Park, Huntsville, Texas 77340 Funeral Services: Wednesday, August 3rd at 10am at the Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 Normal Park, Huntsville, Texas 77340 Interment will be at Falba Cemetery, FM 2989 immediately after Services. Reception will follow. Full obituary may be viewed and memorial condolences made to the family at www.shmfh.com.

James Reece McClendon

June 9, 1943 - July 29, 2016