James “Jim” Lee Conway
James “Jim” Lee Conway departed this world to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 in League City, Texas at the age of 78. He was born on March 22, 1947 in Independence, Missouri to Merle and Helen Conway. Raised on a humble farm, Jim aspired to do something different, ultimately becoming the first member of his family to finish college. A proud graduate of The University of Missouri in 1969, Jim embarked on a career in business, which spanned fifty years. Beginning as an entry-level feed salesman, he ascended through 5 different companies, spanning 13 locations, culminating as the VP of Sales and Marketing at Griffin Industries, where he also served as Vice Chairman for the National Biodiesel Board. He retired from Darling International as a senior level executive in 2019.
The career was a backdrop for his true life’s ministry, which was providing and caring for his remarkable wife, Jill Conway, and their four loving children. Jim was a family man through and through, putting the wellbeing of his loved ones above all else. He loved taking his family on adventurous trips across the country. His passion for making those journeys perfect was always appreciated and his reactions when they fell just short of perfection were part of his charm. He was passionate about youth sports, carting four kids to various venues, ensuring they were never late. He was the coach to several teams and served on the Board of Directors for the Rockwall Pony Baseball League. Offering encouragement to a son after a tough loss or crumbling at the sight of a distressed teenage daughter, he was always there with a warm hug, gentle support, and unwavering love.
Jim loved local sports teams, raw oysters, talk radio, good deals, fantasy sports, dinners with family, a consistent strike-zone, his loyal Pomeranians (Jake & Joey), all the pets before them, gatherings with friends, and a spirited card game. He recently jumped headfirst into the League City bridge community and was enjoying the new relationships and network of friends. It was reminiscent of his glory days, back in the Hills of Walden neighborhood in Kansas City, MO, where he and Jill formed their love of bridge and the strong community bonds which accompany it. But the highlight of his retirement was the free time to cheer on his grandchildren. He’d traverse Houston proper or fly across the county, to relish his grandchildren’s sporting events. Whether it was a swim meet, hockey, lacrosse, baseball, football, basketball, soccer or field hockey game, he was cheering from the front row and unquestionably their #1 fan! Guided by his devout Catholic faith, as well as the ethics and morals instilled by his parents, he was a loyal son, devout husband, and loving dad. Most importantly, he was a good man!
Preceded in death by his father, Merle Joseph Conway, mother Helen Mitts Conway, brother Thomas Conway, beloved aunt and uncle Clarence and Rose Conway. Survived by daughter Shannon Conway Hudgins, son in law Jay Hudgins of Cypress, TX; daughter Mia Conway Hearle and her children James Reed and Joseph Dalton Hearle of New Canaan, CT; son Ryan Conway, daughter in law Athena Conway and their daughter Melody Conway of Sicily Italy; son Nick Conway, daughter in law Kristi Conway and their children Dean and Claire Conway of Houston, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The Family will receive friends during a visitation from nine-thirty to ten-thirty in the morning on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 with a Funeral Mass proceeding at ten-thirty at St. Mary of the Expectation Catholic Church, 1612 East Walker, League City, Texas 77573, with Father John Rooney presiding. A private graveside service will be held for the family immediately following the service. A reception will be held for friends and family from one o’clock until three-thirty in the afternoon, at a destination to be announced at the service. Funeral services to be provided by Crowder Funeral Home, 1645 East Main Street, League City, TX 77573.
In lieu of customary remembrances, donations may be made in honor of Jim Conway for childhood diabetes research to Breakthrough T1D at www.breakthrought1d.org.
Larry and I offer our thoughts and prayers to the family. The fond memories of our childhood growing up in the country, playing baseball, spoons at the Hemsley’s. One memory never to be forgotten was my Uncle Merle, Jim and Tete’s dad made all three of us whips out of wood and leather. But when we proceeded to whip the pigs he got mad. He ran after me (Linda) across the alfalfa field and I hid in our house which was Jimmy’s Uncle’s house my dad Marvin. Many memories and Jimmy was in most of them.
Reading all about him makes me proud to have known him and shared a part of his life in the early years.
Our love goes out to all of you. God Bless and Keep You All Well
Jim was my best friend all through high school and for two more years of college. He was remarkable and a truly special person—steady, principled, brave when it mattered, and fiercely loyal to his family and friends.
We spent a lot of time together outside of school. That included our pre-basketball-game ritual of consuming truly irresponsible amounts of curly fries, party nights in Kansas (where the legal age was a very friendly 18), and visits to his farm— where I learned two things: how to feed very aggressive hogs, and how to be rescued from almost hip-deep mud.
Jim grew up in simple but honorable surroundings, which helped me appreciate my much softer suburban upbringing. He took his health seriously and managed his diet and medications carefully—except, of course, when curly fries were involved. We also made time to “cruise” in his ‘baby” – his 1957 Chevy, an experience that made every ordinary drive feel like a movie scene. Our friendship only grew stronger and carried naturally into adulthood.
When I transferred to the University of Missouri as a junior, Jim welcomed me with open arms to Hatch Hall, where he proudly served as the 7th-floor Resident Assistant. Those years at MU only strengthened our friendship and gave us even more stories we dare not share here.
After I moved to Chicago for my first job, my wife Barbara and I stayed close with Jim and Jill, visiting them in Michigan and joining in and celebrating their wedding. On one visit to Chicago, Jill met her very first boxer dog—and from that moment on, the Conway family began expanding at a pace that suggested they were no longer in charge. Over the years, we admired their four spirited children and the joyful, loving chaos of their home. They set the bar for what a great family looks like.
One moment stands above all others. During a visit to the Conway’s near Dallas, Jill instantly leapt into action and performed the Heimlich maneuver, launching about one-third of a hot dog clear across the room from one of their daughters. Moments afterwards all was enthusiastically well again, but tragically, this was before cell-phone cameras, or it surely would have set a world record for views and paid for her college.
Jim led his family—and all of us who knew him—with quiet strength, humor, and heart. He will be deeply missed, but his friendship, laughter, and stories will stay with us always.
I met Jim at the Clear Lake Bridge Club and he was such a nice man. I always was happy when I got him as my partner when I met him in that first class. He was interesting to talk to and always smiling.
Eternal rest grant unto Jim, O Lord,
and let Your perpetual light shine upon him.
May his and the souls of all the faithful departed
rest in peace.
Amen
I was deeply shaken by the passing of Jim. Having only known him for a few years thru the bridge club in Clear Lake, I enjoyed playing with him and Jill. There is no doubt he will be missed and fondly remembered by everyone he know and interacted with.