James Lynch

James Mason Lynch, 68, of Kerrville passed to his Heavenly Father on Monday, April 2, 2018. He was born November 17, 1949, in Midland to Wroe and Helen Wiley Lynch. \r\n \r\nJim was a proud graduate of Texas Tech University. An experience Jim truly enjoyed while in college was serving as a page at the United States Senate in the office of his uncle, Fritz Hollings. Following graduation he immediately began his career in the oil industry, working as a crude oil trader for Texaco in Houston and later Louisiana Land & Exploration in New Orleans. His last position was Vice President of Crude Oil Operations with Gulf States Oil & Trading, in Houston. Jim served on the Board of the New York Mercantile Exchange, drafting the initial crude oil futures contract, which was then traded on the NYMEX. \r\n \r\nAfter retirement, Jim moved to Kerrville with his spouse and actively volunteered his time to several organizations, including the Salvation Army Kroc Center. He cheerfully participated anywhere needed, such as cooking at Family Night at the Pool, stuffing Easter eggs, and 'ringing the bell' at Christmas. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Houston where he went on several mission trips to Costa Rica assisting with construction of a parsonage. Here in Kerrville he was a very able real estate assistant for Lynn. Jim was a devoted father and grandfather, celebrating each and every accomplishment of the children. Jim will be remembered by all who knew him for his quick wit and charm. He loved all things historical and was an expert in US military history, especially the Civil War. His stories came to life as his family had lived through the Civil War in the low country of North Carolina.\r\n \r\nHe was preceded in death by his father, Wroe Lynch, and mother, Helen Lynch.\r\n \r\nJim is survived by his best friend and spouse, Lynn Niles; two daughters, Amy Lynch Kolflat and spouse, Erik, of Houston, and Erin Bennett Lynch, of Houston; sister, Cynthia Lynch Sharpe, Grand Junction; brother, Wroe Lynch of Brackettville; niece, Elizabeth Rochard of Tomball; and two grandchildren.\r\n\r\nVisitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, April 5, 2018 at Grimes Funeral Chapels.\r\n \r\nServices will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 6, 2018 at First United Methodist Church, 321 Thompson Drive, Kerrville, with Pastor David E. Payne officiating. A reception will follow the service in the Fellowship Hall. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, April 7, 2018 in the Lone Oak Cemetery, Hunt County, TX.\r\n \r\nIn lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Salvation Army Kroc Center or the Hill Country Youth Ranch.\r\n