JAY PIERCE SIMPSON 1925-2017

Jay Pierce Simpson

1925 – 2017 Jay Simpson died Friday, March 17, 2017 from injuries sustained in a one vehicle accident. He was two months short of his 92nd birthday. Jay was born in Fort Worth, Texas where he graduated from Paschal High School in 1941. He attended TCU and SMU where he lettered in basketball, and eventually graduated from Rice University in 1947 with a degree in Chemical Engineering. Jay lettered in baseball with the Rice Owls playing 3rd base for two years and participated in Rice Alumni baseball games. He remained an avid Rice sports fan for over 70 years.

During World War II, Jay served as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. While stationed in McAlester, Oklahoma he met Kathryne “Katchy “Puryear and they married in the summer of 1947. The couple settled in Houston where they raised their two children. Jay worked for Baroid Division of NL Industries for 32 years directing drilling fluids research and technical services. In 1978 Jay became a partner in the O’Brien Goins Simpson, Inc., drilling engineering consulting firm. He retired in 2009 at the age of 83 from Newpark Drilling Fluids. During his career he published 35 technical papers and was the recipient of multiple awards including the 1995 Offshore Technology Conference Distinguished Achievement Award.

Jay and Katchy joined Bellaire United Methodist Church in 1950 and were enthusiastic members of the church throughout their lives. Jay was currently an active member of the Seekers Sunday School class.

Jay was preceded in death by Katchy, his loving wife of 54 years and his brothers Willis Simpson of Fort Worth, Texas and Bob Simpson of Birmingham, Alabama. He is survived by his sister Jeanne Mabey of Fort Worth, Texas and his daughter Sidne Starnes and husband Doug of Garland Texas; son Scott Simpson of Houston; grandsons Todd Starnes and wife Kara of Keller, Texas; Trent Starnes and wife Cassie of Wylie, Texas and Taylor Starnes of Dallas, Texas and five great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Bellaire United Methodist Church ( 4417 Bellaire Blvd., Bellaire TX 77401 ) on Saturday, April 8th at 1:00 pm. with Pastor Seann Duffin presiding. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting a donation to Bellaire United Methodist Church Alzheimer’s Caring Ministries.