JAMES RICHARD TOBIN

1946-2021

James Richard Tobin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, steadfast and loyal friend passed away surrounding by his loving family on Sunday October 3, 2021. He fought a 6-year battle against the terrible disease ALS. During those years he never complained but always found joy in being able to spend another day with those he loved so dearly.

Jim was born September 23, 1946 in Dallas, Texas to Carol Virginia Cummins Tobin and John Richard Tobin. When he was three years old the family moved back to Cincinnati, Ohio where they lived until 1959. Then the family moved to Houston, Texas where Jim attended Mount Carmel schools until his graduation in 1964. He entered the University of Houston in

1964 and in 1967 he joined the United States Marine Core Reserves. When he returned to Houston and the University of Houston he met the love of his life Diane Susan Hockstra. Jim was a member of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity. Jim graduated from the University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

Jim began his career in Corporate Human Resources, primarily providing employment for the companies he worked for. In 1987 Jim started his own staffing firm Tobin & Associates providing staffing services to the energy and petrochemical community in Houston.

Diane and Jim were married August 9, 1974. She remained by his side for 47 years filled with love, joy, and devotion. Jim had a wonderful sense of humor and was never without a joke (no matter how bad) or a crazy limerick. He never stopped bringing joy and laughter to all of us in spite of his own trials.

He loved being with his friends, organizing activities, cooking, and participating in life’s adventures. Jim played men’s league tennis with Cypresswood neighbors on a team called the “Brew Crew”! As his tennis buddies began to age and switch from tennis to golf Jim jumped in to create a way for them to continue to stay together. He organized a monthly golf outing at various courses and he named the group the “The Viagra Challenge”! He would spend the month searching courses for the best deal and then organizing the foursomes and setting up the day. This was Jim – he loved bringing people together – maintaining friendships were important to him.

Jim also maintained lifelong friendships from his college and fraternity days. After graduation he continued to support his Alma Mater by attending football games, tailgate parties, traveling to bowl games, - a highlight was the Peach Bowl. Cooking was one of Jim’s great skills – he created some delicious tailgate dishes.

Jim also kept in close contact with his high school friends through dinners, lunches, reunions or just catching up on the phone.

As one can see Jim had friends from all phases of his life. He was just that kind of guy that you wanted to call your friend!

The most precious thing in Jim’s life was his family that he loved with all his heart. He had so much pride in daughter Kim – at a young age she did competitive swimming. He loved those weekend long meets – being a timer – cheering her on.

He was supportive when she and her husband Philip began “4th Wall Theatre Company” in Houston. He attended all the productions and became famous for preparing “smoked salmon” for the opening night parties - a tradition that will not end.

Besides tennis and golf,

Jim had other pass times he loved. Diane and Jim ran three Half Marathons together where again they made life long friends. Besides the golf, tennis, running, and cooking Jim loved to fish! He had many crazy fishing adventures with his close friends. He started hiring a fishing guide as a Father’s Day activity for daughter Kim and himself. A special time to be together and teach her the art of fishing – she didn’t really love it but loved the fun they had together. When grandson, Leo, came along – Jim saw his new convert to fishing! Jim, son-in-law Philip, and grandson Leo went on great weekend fishing trips with a guide. This time it worked! Grandson, Leo, loves to fish – thanks to grandpa Jim.

Throughout Jim’s struggle with ALS he was blessed with wonderful caregivers – none more special than his sister Kathy Vukela that made his last years so much better. He also had caregivers Chris Gomez and Gio Morales that brought laughter, fun, and their wonderful spirit into our home for Jim.

Jim is survived by wife, Diane, and daughter Kimberly Anne Lehl, son-in-law Phiip Lehl, grandson Leo Jinks-Lehl, sisters Patricia Burgmeier, husband Jim, Jill Baird, Katherine Vukela, husband William, and brother Jack Tobin. Nieces and nephews Tara Baird, Destiny Rael, Gabriel Tobin, Rita Tobin, Bridget Tobin, Glenn Burgmeier, Robyn Pyle,

Brian Roberson, and great nephew Colton Burgmeier, great nieces Alison Pyle, Emily Pyle, and Esme Tobin. Preceding Jim in death were his parents John and Carol Tobin, and nephew Joseph Matranga.

We all mourn the loss of this beautiful man but the Angels are singing for his arrival!

A service and celebration of Jim’s life will be on Saturday November 13th at 11:00 am at Klein United Methodist Church located at 5920 FM 2920 Spring, Tx. 77388. A catered Celebration of Jim’s Life will follow the service at Augusta Pines Golf Club, 18 Augusta Pines Dr. Spring, Tx.77389.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the ALS Association of Texas: https:// donate.tx.als.org/jimtobin

To leave a condolence, please visit Klein Champions Funeral Home Obituary site.