Jim McAtee, 86, of Beaumont, Texas passed away in his home Monday, August 21, 2006 around sunrise. He died peacefully and privately, just as he had lived his life.
Jim was born in Richland Springs, Texas in San Saba County on April 08, 1920 to Bertha Herring McAtee native of Jones Prairie, Texas and Francis Jerome McAtee native of Carlton, Texas. He graduated from Rosebud High School in Rosebud, Texas in 1937 and attended Hardin-Simmons University where he played football and graduated in 1947 with a BS in Business Administration. He served in the United States Navy during World War II as a pilot, attaining the rank of Lieutenant in the United States Atlantic Fleet Air Force.
He was employed as a salesman by National Cash Register, 1946-1949, Aluminum Products Co. of Houston 1949-1955, and Premier Fasteners, Beaumont 1955-1966. He started Gulf Coast Screw and Supply Co. Inc. in 1966 and owned and operated that until his retirement in 1998.
Jim is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Jo Ann Young “Jody” McAtee; a daughter, Nancy McAtee McGrade and son-in-law Stephen Louis McGrade; and grandchildren, Nell Alexandra “Zan” McGrade and Harris Covington McGrade; and son, John Errol McAtee and daughter-in-law Kimberly Williamson McAtee and grandchildren, Jane Ellen McAtee and Katherine Errol McAtee. The grandkids fondly knew him as “Jimbo”.
Jim spent the last days of his life surrounded by his family and we are grateful for that special time. The family would like to acknowledge his special caregivers, Jean Martin and Loria Pete, the staff at Beaumont Home Health and Southern Care Hospice, and the staff and clergy at St. Mark’s.
A Memorial Service will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 24, 2006 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Beaumont, Texas with Entombment in St. Mark’s Garden Columbarium under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. A reception will follow in the Cloister Room.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 680 Calder, Beaumont, Texas 77701
