Jimmy Dan McKey, 78, of LaPorte, passed away on June 18, 2020.  He was born July 13,1941, in Bagwell, Texas to Leonard Layfette and Lessie Kate Harmening McKey and departed this life on June 18, 2020.  He was a member of Bayshore Baptist Church where he worshiped with his church family for over 50 years.  He retired from the Diamond Shamrock/Occidental Chemical Plant in Deer Park after 40 years of dedicated service.

Jimmy is survived by his loving wife Charlene Jones McKey, whom he stole off the dance floor and married June 13, 1964; daughters and sons-in -law,  Kristi McKey Marx and Melvin Marx IV of Tomball, and Shannon McKey Nay and Marshall  Nay of Austin.  He is also survived by his much-loved grandson, Noah Joseph Marx, his devoted grand pup, Patches, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lessie K. McKey and Leonard L. McKey, 3 brothers, Hulen, Leonard and Haskell McKey and 3 sisters, Rossie McKey Harris, Kathryn McKey Colwell, and Virginia McKey Haddick.

Jimmy was a 1959 graduate of LaPorte High school and was known for being an all - around athlete having many talents in multiple sports.  He was a true athlete who did more than just run fast, hit hard, or jump high, and especially excelled in basketball, football, and track. He was quite the proud grandpa as he watched his grandson, Noah, follow in his athletic footsteps.

Jimmy was an avid reader and always had a stack of books, particularly, Louis L'Amour Westerns, on his nightstand.  He also loved it when those Westerns were made into movies, but was always sure to have read the book first.  He had a deep love for animals and had a special place in his heart for his little chihuahua , Boy, his grandpup, Patches, and all of the cats his wife, Charlene, took in to care for - even though he did not always admit it. He loved to dance and won many dance competitions and also helped teach his daughters and all of their cousins some of his signature dance moves.  He will be remembered for always being sure that anyone who wanted to get out on the dance floor had a partner to do so.

Assisted by his wife, Jimmy loved to grow flowers and did not overlook the simple beauty of such work.  He was known for his green thumb and his ability to grow the most impressive roses. He loved to talk you through the process of rose care and the process was a lot like him - both beautiful and tough.

Jimmy had a strong desire for everyone to feel included.  He loved people and wanted them to be happy.  He unofficially adopted several neighborhood kids and an array of adults to love which he treated like family.  He was always a good sport when he was roped into some event or asked to dress up like a character that his wife and her sisters created to bring the family together.  There were countless family events that Jimmy brought much joy to with his good natured willingness to have fun.  His most memorable role was that of a gorilla in the wooded area of the family farm in Waller, Texas.  Not a single family member will ever forget that!  Jimmy loved his family.

Friends are cordially invited to visit with the family from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 24, at Klein Funeral Home, 1400 W. Main, Tomball, TX 77375. Due to seating restrictions because of Covid-19, attendance at the funeral will be by invitation only. A graveside service for his family will be held at the Field Store Cemetery at Farm to Market Rd 1488, Waller, TX 77484.

The family would like to express their thanks for the wonderful help and care given by the staff at Accredited Hospice and loving friends and family who provided their unending support.