James Robert Jackson

James Robert “Jim Bob” Jackson returned to the earth on his family ranch August 26, 2018.  He was born on January 23, 1935 in Beaumont, Texas to Katherine Cook Jackson and Guy Cade Jackson Jr. He is survived by his wife Erin, three sons: William and Kimberly Jackson of Baytown, Matthew Jackson of Austin, and Cade and Beth Jackson of Boerne. His grandchildren: Erin Jackson, Sarah Jackson and fiance William Deepe, Tyler Jackson, Kailey and Dawson Shelburn. His great grandchild: James Deepe.

A graduate of Anahuac HS, Jim Bob attended Southwest Texas College in San Marcos where he met the his wife of 63 years, Erin Kruse. Upon marrying, he returned to Anahuac and ran the family’s JHK ranch until 1963 when it was converted to the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. He then entered Texas Western College in El Paso receiving a BS in Geology with honors, followed by earning a master’s Degree in Geology from the University of Texas at Austin.

Jim Bob used his degree to pursue a 49-year career in oil and gas. He started out in the exploration department of Humble Oil and Refining later to become Exxon.  A proud moment in his career was being part of the one of the biggest oil discoveries in Exxon history at the Jay oil field in Jay, Florida.  After resigning from Exxon in 1974 he consulted for various oil and gas companies which led to the formation of Trace Oil and Gas company in 1980 with Steve Ferguson and Robert Artzberger.  They were one of the first companies to use 3-D seismic imaging to find oil and gas leading to a rich and successful career that Jim Bob continued to love until the very end of his days. He was a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologist, The Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientist and the Houston Geological Society.

Jim Bob was a man of many talents who was proud of his family and history. He wrote two books about cattle ranching in the Double Bayou, “They Pointed them East First” and “JHK Ranch”. His third book illustrated funny stories about working in the oilfields “The Oilman’s Jokebook”.  He was also a self-taught artist dabbling in bronze casting, pen and ink, watercolor, oil, and acrylics. But for those who knew Jim Bob well his best talent was being a good man.

The family will be celebrating his life and legacy at his art show November 10th, 2018 from 11 am to 4 pm at the Chambers County Museum at Wallisville located at 20136 I-10 in Wallisville, Texas. In  lieu of flowers the family would like donations made to the Claude Jackson Store Restoration.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.