James Jean Kocian, Sr.

James Jean Kocian, Sr., 73, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2009, after a brief illness. A 1956 graduate of Texas A&M University, Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering. He was commissioned upon graduation as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Anniston, Ala. Jim then began a lifelong career in the energy field by accepting a position with Union Carbide. He moved into a management capacity there before moving on to Kaneb Services, Inc. Jim eventually became chairman, CEO and part-owner of a coal company, Ikerd-Bandy, Inc., in Kentucky, as well as numerous other entrepreneurial ventures. Away from the office, Jim was a proud, longtime member of the Petroleum Club of Houston, Fort Bend Country Club in Richmond and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. He also enjoyed golfing, traveling and spending quality time with family, friends and his best friend and beloved companion, Kona, granddogs Houston, Bogey and Birdie, and grandcat Deuce. Late in life, Jim discovered a love of ballroom dancing and enjoyed his membership in the Agnes Maule Dance Club. Jim is survived by his wife, Rhea Celeste "Cissy" Kocian, of Richmond; a daughter, Karen Abbruscato, and her husband, Mark, of Katy; a son, James Jr., and his wife, Zoy, of Round Rock; stepsons, Matt Jacob and his wife, Alison and Nick Jacob and his wife, Mallory, all of Dallas; granddaughters, Shara Jean Petro and her husband Nick and Kiley Kocian; grandsons Mark Francis Abbruscato, Michael Kocian and Carter Jacob; his parents, Jerome and Alice Kocian; five brothers, Carl, David, Bobby, Jerry and Donnie Kocian, and their families; three sisters, Jeannette Jahn, Annette Krupala and Barbara Hanna, and their families; and Virginia Kocian, his children's mother. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon Gay Kocian. A celebration of his life is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 16, at St. John's United Methodist Church in Richmond. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or Texas Children's Hospital. Words of condolence may be left for the Kocian family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com. Service arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home, 3900 B. F. Terry Blvd., Rosenberg, Texas, 77471, 281-341-8800.

Tributes

James Jean Kocian, Sr.

September 30, 1935 - September 13, 2009