JAMES KAILER LONG
1928-2017
James “Jim” Kailer Long, 88, of Sugar Land, Texas, departed this life on Thursday, June 29, 2017. He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Nancy Smith Long. He is survived by his sons, James Kailer Long, Jr. and wife Marcia; Stephen Hal Long and wife Michelle; and daughter, Karen Long Berry and husband Kevin; and former daughter-in-law, Vicky Long Deinhardt. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Michael Kailer Long and wife Stephanie, Jessica Long Burgos and husband Carlos, Stephen Andrew Long and wife Erika, Matthew Miller Long, Joshua Hansford Berry and Benjamin Thomas Berry; and great-grand children, Alexa Ashley Long, Kailer Jo Long, and Aaron Andres Long; and step-grandchildren, Jeffrey Ryan Haver, Michael Stephen Haver, Katherine Anna Haver, Hannah Marie Haver, and Christopher Jordan Haver; step-great grandchildren, Bailey Marshall Harris Seckt, and Hannah Elizabeth Seckt.
Jim was born on November 13, 1928 in Columbus, Ohio to Thomas Noble Long, Jr. and Margaret Kailer Long. While growing up, he learned to play golf while working as a caddie, and developed a lifelong love of the sport. He attended North High School in Columbus where he played on the Polar Bear Football Team. At Ohio State University he joined Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and met his future wife, Nancy. While in college, he joined a singing quartet called “The Scarleteers”. The quartet performed in many venues, including the Ted Mack Amateur Hour on ABC. He and Nancy remained enthusiastic fans of Ohio State Buckeye Football.
Jim and Nancy were married on June 21, 1952 in Massillon, Ohio, lived together in New York and Pennsylvania, then finally settled in Sugar Land, Texas in 1971. Jim always loved the Southwest and the warm, sunny climate. He played tennis and golf on a weekly basis with Nancy and life-long friends for many years at the Sugar Creek Country Club.
Jim spent his entire career in sales. After graduating from Ohio State he started with Armstrong Cork then with Voss Engineering, Enamel Products and Plating, and finally, RPR Products. With the exception of Armstrong Cork, his entire career was tied to the metals industry. His personal style and tireless work ethic made customers his personal friends. He traveled extensively for both business and then for pleasure to 48 states, but his favorite destination was Hawaii.
Jim was a long-time member of Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, sang in the sanctuary choir, and ushered on Sundays. After retirement, he joined the Men’s Bible Study, and made many close, dear friends. Jim will always be remembered for his gentle smile, sunny disposition, beautiful singing voice, and a man of Faith.
A memorial service for Jim will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2017 at Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Road, Sugar Land, TX 77478 at 1:00 o’clock p.m. in the sanctuary. For those desiring, memorial gifts may be made in Jim’s honor to the Caring Forever Endowment of Sugar Land First United Methodist Church.