James Earl Mackey

James Earl Mackey was born at Memorial Hospital in downtown Houston, on July 1, 1950 to proud parents Earl Thomas and Agnes Mackey. From the beginning, Earl was known for his vivid blue eyes and sweet personality. He spent most of his youth tinkering with cars, playing practical jokes, and running around his Southside Place neighborhood. The friendships he made there would last his lifetime. When Earl was 27, he made the great move from his beloved Texas to California to pursue a career with Unocal and, later, his own business, Surf City Construction. Always a fan of music, Earl spent his spare time collecting various musical instruments and records. From the trombone he played in school to the old piano he frequently toyed with, nothing was off limits, and he enjoyed sharing his love with anyone who would listen. Throughout his life, Earl was known for his friendly nature and kind heart, and his charismatic smile and open ear will be a loss that does not go unnoticed. On April 2, 2018, James Earl passed away peacefully in his sleep. He lived a big life, with an even bigger heart. May he look upon us with the knowledge that he made a lasting impact on all the lives he touched.

Earl is survived in death by his brother Bryant Mackey and wife Deborah, niece Katie Zwahr and husband Brian, niece Paige Imwalle and husband Daniel, great niece Abby Imwalle and great nephew Anthony Imwalle, half-brother Earl Thomas Mackey Jr., half sister Terri Stanley, nephew Mark Briers and niece Amber Covingtion, and many other family and friends.

A memorial service will be held February 2nd at 11am at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Houston, TX, with a reception to follow.