James L. Beene died on Aug. 11, 2025, at his home in Katy after a brief illness.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Anthea Marie Beene; his father, James Clifton Beene; his mother, Lucille Corbin Beene; and his mother-in-law, Ann Schifanella.
He is survived by numerous cousins, his brother-in-law, Mitch Schifanella and wife; and his beloved cat, Tito.
Jim was a native Texan and enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Boerne, where his family owned a home for over 50 years. Jim attended Boerne High School, where he was a member of the basketball, football and track teams. He graduated from high school in 1964.
He attended the University of Texas at Arlington and graduated from the University of Texas in Austin with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in structural engineering.
He was a Texas Registered Professional Engineer. He had an extensive career as a structural engineer and served on oil and gas projects around the world until his retirement from Marathon Oil.
Jim met the love of his life, Anthea Marie Beene, in 1980, and four months later they were married. Together, they traveled the world and lived in many exotic locations, including Japan, Alaska, Singapore and Vancouver. They were married for 41 years until her death in 2022.
Jim attended Houston First Baptist Church. He loved family and friends, his cat, his days at the shooting range with friends, and especially music of all types and genres.
Through the years, Jim enjoyed tennis, golfing and target shooting. He was an interesting person who could tell a great story.
Services will be held at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas on Sept. 11 at 2 p.m., with visitation an hour prior. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation in Jim’s memory.
