James Lawrence Malik
James Lawrence Malik, aged 72, passed away on February 20th, 2024 in Houston, Texas at his home in the Houston suburb of Clear Lake. He was born on March 25, 1951 in Elizabeth, NJ. To Marion Malik and Genevieve Malik (neé Blyskal). He is survived by his beloved wife Eva, his daughter Vanessa Kerr and son Marek Malik; grandchildren Victoria Kerr, Evelyn Kerr, and Tyler Kerr; sister Virginia Malik; as well as numerous family and friends.
Jim was raised with grit and determination. He was a man of few words but immense presence, often referred to affectionately as a curmudgeon by those who knew him best. Yet, behind his stern and gruff demeanor was a man whose love knew no bounds, especially when it came to his family and friends.
Jim was a 1973 graduate of Newark College of Engineering and received his Masters of Business Administration from Baldwin Wallace College in 1980. James worked and consulted in the Petrochemical and Refining Industries in the USA and abroad.
In his youth, through college and well into his working career, James excelled in numerous athletic activities from sports and weight lifting, martial arts (achieving multiple levels of Black Belts), and Scuba Diving. His children shared in and enjoyed these pursuits.
Throughout his life, Jim worked tirelessly to provide for his loved ones, dedicating himself to his career and the values of hard work and perseverance. He possessed a sharp mind and a mischievous twinkle in his eye that endeared him to all friends and family. His unique brand of humor, often laced with sarcasm and dry wit, were hallmarks of his true and sincere love.
Jim’s love for his family was unwavering. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, finding his greatest joy in the simple pleasures of spending time with his loved ones. Whether it was enjoying silence in the presence of a loved one or teaching his grandchildren STEM principles and life’s invaluable lessons, Jim’s presence illuminated the lives of those around him.
A funeral mass will take place Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 10:30 AM at St. Bernadette’s Church in Clear Lake located at 15500 El Camino Real, Houston, TX 77062
A Celebration of Life and Funeral Reception will follow at the Landry’s Seafood House Restaurant within the Kemah Boardwalk, 2nd floor banquet room, at 12:00 PM. The boardwalk complex is located at 1 Kemah Boardwalk, Kemah, TX 77565.
Love and prayers 🙏🙏❤️❤️
Thoughts and prayers for Eva, Vanessa, and Marek. I’m honored to have known him. When I would catch him at the mail boxes, he beamed with pride about you all. He was truly an accomplished man with a beautiful family.
It is unfortunate that I knew Jim briefly through a common friend, Mr Vincent Holmes, but time was too short to meet in person. We were evaluating a pipeline project which was supposed to run from Nigeria into Morocco. Jim gave me assignments but never lived long enough to evaluate my feedback. I understand what pains the family is bearing, but they will be consoled by the fact that death is the way of all mortals. We all wish that we have the slightest control over death, but all wishful thinking, at least for now. We ask that the almighty provide the family with the fortitude to bear his loss while wishing that the earth softens even more for his passage.
Jim would often send me pictures of family activities showing how much he loved his family and grand kids. He wanted to take a long train ride across the country with his wife and the grand kids but was worried about the impact of such an adventure on the grand kids. I will miss our frequent lunch meetings and cigar smokes. Good bye Jim and may your soul rest in perfect peace Amen.
Rest In Peace Jim! Jim was a brilliant chemical engineer and a great supervisor to me at Jacobs Engineering, and we remained friends for many years. Jim had
devotion, love and pride for each member of his family: he loved Eva deeply, spoke frequently about Vanessa, Marek, spouses and grandchildren.
My deepest condolences on the lost of the your husband and father. May your beautiful memories sustain and bring comfort during this unhappy season. Jim was the very best of a neighbor and will be deeply missed by us all. Violet, Cornell, AJ and Wade.
Steve and I have fond memories of spending time with Jim and Eva in the early 2000’s when our daughter, Michelle and Vanessa were college roommates at Hartwick College. Our daughters were water polo teammates as well during those four years. Jim was enthusiastic about the team and proud of Vanessa’s water polo prowess. He was a genuine person who said what he meant and meant what he said.
Pleasant memories of Vanessa’s wedding resonate as well.
We pray for God’s comfort for Eva, Vanessa, Marek, their spouses and grandchildren.
Their loss of Jim will be great as he was an “all in” personality.
With much love!
Steve and Davida Baxter
Eva, Vanessa and Marek please accept Scott and my deepest condolences on Jimmy’s passing. The obituary was spot on. I remember that twinkle in his eye. Love and Hugs Lorraine and Scott Boice