James Goodfellow Massey, 88, of Buchanan Dam died Feb. 3, 2015
James “Jim” Goodfellow Massey was born Sept. 16, 1926, to Homer and Louise Massey in San Angelo, Texas. He died Feb. 3, 2015.
Jim followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, a civil engineer, who taught him the principles of engineering. At 15, he graduated from high school and attended Texas A&M for a semester before transferring to the University of Texas.
While working a summer job in Fort Stockton, he met the love of his life, Betsy Langford, who followed him to UT. At 18, Jim was drafted by the U.S. Army to serve as a first lieutenant in the infantry in Germany during World War II. After his three years of service, he returned to finish college at UT, receiving a degree in mechanical engineering.
Jim and Betsy married and moved to Houston to start their careers. Jim was employed by Shell Oil, becoming the superintendent of the Deer Park refinery. Also during his 35-year tenure with Shell, he designed and supervised the building of several Shell refineries across the country.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife and his parents. He is survived by his son, Sam Langford Massey; daughter and son-in-law, Lauren and Dr. George A. Devore; grandchildren, George Travis Devore, Katie Elaine Devore and Madeline Claire Devore; and brother, Herbert Lee Massey.
A memorial service is 2 p.m. Feb. 22 at Highland Lakes United Methodist Church, 8303 RR 1431 West in Buchanan Dam (just south of the intersection of Texas 29 and RR 1431, commonly referred to as “Fuzzy’s Corner.”)
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Highland Lakes United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1005, Buchanan Dam, TX 78609.