James Edward Murtagh, 69, of Spring, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 3rd, 2024. He was surrounded in love by his family. Jim was born March 3rd, 1954, in Syracuse, New York, to the late John Vincent Murtagh and Nora Mary (Mullin) Murtagh.

Jim was the middle child of seven children born into a large Irish family, and he often bore the responsibility of peacekeeping. Growing up, he developed a love for football, receiving a college scholarship to play for Lycoming College. "Number seventy-two in your program. Number one in our hearts!", as he often proudly proclaimed.

He moved to Houston in 1986 when a job opportunity with Lyondell became available. In Houston, Jim dedicated his life to working hard and raising his three children. He supported his eldest daughter as she made her way into adulthood and raised his two young children as a single father. He worked hard to provide a good life for his family. He drove an hour to work every day for decades to ensure his kids grew up in the best neighborhoods and attended the best schools. He understood the magic of breakfast for dinner, on-the-fly bedtime stories, and warm summer days out by the pool. Jim found a balance between his career and fatherhood, that few could, with grace and good humor.

In 1991, Jim was diagnosed with a heart condition that became a lifelong challenge to manage. His diagnosis in 1991 was bleak. However, Jim committed himself to listening to the doctor's advice and doing what he could to ensure he had the longest life possible.

After his diagnosis, not a single year was promised to him. However, Jim was able to walk his eldest daughter, Denise, down the aisle and be present for the birth of his first two eldest grandsons, Austin and Zander Salazar.

He saw his son, Daniel, marry his wonderful wife Jennifer and again be present, with champagne on hand, for the birth of two more grandsons, Bennett and Elliott.

This winter, he finally saw his daughter, Rachal, realize her dream and graduate college. An endeavor the two often spoke about. Jim was always there with ready words of encouragement and ideas for papers. And, like always, he was ready to celebrate when she was finished.

It cannot go without saying his greatest achievement was meeting and marrying the love of his life, Lanette.

The love stories in history do not do justice to Jim's love for his wife, Lanette. No woman has ever matched Jim's social energy or need to be busy and involved with church and community, quite like Lanette has. The pair traveled the world and consistently volunteered for their church, St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church. Jim did not do much without thinking about Lanette and her needs. He loved her dearly.

But Lanette did not come alone. With her, she brought her beloved Varnadoe and Hamilton clan and a slew of rescue dogs that Jim poured his love into over the years.  Including, but not limited to, their inherited terrier, his little dog, Ozzy.

A deep man of faith, Jim was deeply committed to his Catholic community. He was a Knight of Columbus, Instituted Acolyte, ACTS Brother and active worship volunteer. He was a servant of the church. If there was a need, Jim was often there to fill it.

Jim retired in 2022 after 42 years of service with LyondellBasell Industries (formerly Arco). His long tenure with one company is an anomaly in today's working world. He spent his career on the sales and marketing side of the business and was highly respected in the industry. Some of the few charitable activities he engaged in were playing Santa Claus at the Ripley House each Christmas season and assisting in facilitating the local ARCO Jesse Owens Games.

Jim loved football. For years, he participated in and ran multiple fantasy football leagues each NFL season. A former Oilers season ticket holder, he could not have been more thrilled when Houston got their own NFL team again. From their inception, he had season tickets to the Houston Texans and was a founding member of the "Texas Brew Crew" tailgating team. Jim got to each home game early, helped put up the tents, flags, and banners, and then made sure the bar was set up and stocked for the day. He was quick to give his tickets away to anyone so they could experience the thrills of the game. He never lost faith in his team. Jim was hometown proud.

His annual Super Bowl party was a must-attend event each of the 30+ years he put it together. His and Lanette's home was always adorned with banners, flags, and enough food for the masses. These legendary parties brought many rival fans together, resulting in numerous post-game stories years later. You weren't at the party long enough if you didn't hear the story about the year he won a big screen TV.

He spent much of his time in retirement fixing and updating his sailboat, Murdoe. He loved being on the water as he grew up near it and was always on it in his childhood in upstate New York. Jim needed to be on the water. It was a passion that ran deep in his blood. Sailing allowed him to reconnect with a part of nature that spoke directly to a side of Jim that was calculating and methodical, as well as that side of him that was full of wonder and possibility.

Jim was also a terrific chef and always enjoyed having family and friends over for an afternoon or evening of food. He loved basking in the comfort of being together with people. Feeding people was just another way Jim enjoyed being of service to others. Jim enjoyed spending his time by sharing a meal, toasting to good times, good people, and remembering those who couldn't be with him. He cherished every minute and turned every moment into a reason to celebrate.

Jim was a multi-faceted man who loved his wife Lanette and his family, faith, friends, and colleagues. He crammed his life full of activities to ensure he enjoyed and experienced each minute he had here with us. His calendar was always booked, and he could not say NO to any request he received for assistance.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Lanette Murtagh; daughters Denise Salazar and Rachal Murtagh; and son, Daniel and his wife Jennifer Murtagh; grandsons Austin Salazar and fiancée Shellie Daniels, Zander Salazar, Bennett Murtagh and Elliott Murtagh; brothers Bill and his wife Sherry Murtagh and Mike Murtagh; sisters Kathy Clark and Mary Murtagh; a plethora of nieces and nephews, Godchildren, and a community of brothers and sisters in Christ.

Including his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother and sister, Jack Murtagh and Patty Beattie.

The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, February 14th, 2024, from 5 PM to 8 PM at Klein Funeral Home, 16131 Champion Forest Drive. Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 PM led by Jim's TOOL team from St. Ignatius, followed by a Vigil Service at 7:00 PM led by Dcn Scott Glueck.  Funeral Services will be held Thursday, February 15th, 2024, at 11 AM at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, 7810 Cypresswood Drive Spring, Texas 77379, with Fr. Norbert Maduzia presiding. Reception to follow.

Serving as pallbearers are Randy Czaplewski, Andy Dommert, Charlie Hebert, John Hebert, Charlie Hodge, and Mike Raspet.

Words can not fully express how much the entire family appreciates all your prayers and support.  Thank you, especially everyone with St. Ignatius Loyola and the Knights of Columbus.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to:

Abandoned Animal Rescue

PO Box 1206

Tomball, TX 77377

www.aartexas.org

Or

St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church

7810 Cypresswood Dr.

Spring, TX 77379-7101

St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church | Spring, TX