James L. Koury

KOURY, James L. Age 80, died after a long illness. He passed away peacefully in his home, with his wife at his side on November 15, 2014. Jim is survived by his wife, Dale, of forty years; daughter, Cathy Mardini, and spouse, Sam Mardini of Santa Clarita, CA; son, Michael, and fiancé, Lori Martinez of Quartz Hill, CA; daughter, Debbie Soto of Sylmar, CA; son, Bradly Koury, of Miami, FL; daughter, Trisha Stoops of Van Nuys, CA; 12 grandchildren, Sammy Jr., Michael, Anna, Danny, Cassius, Bryson, Erin, Steven, Calvin, Brandon, Alexa and Alyssa; four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. James was born and raised in Santa Fe, NM, he was of Lebanese decent. He was the youngest of three children. Jim attended Highlands University, St. Michaels High School, and the University of New Mexico. Jim was an Aerospace Engineer for 30 years, Edwards Air Force Rocket Propulsion Laboratory, Edwards, CA. He was a past member of Knights of Columbus council #2455, Lancaster, CA, where he served as Grand Knight District Deputy and a lifetime member of council #6696, Rio Rancho, NM, where he held many offices. Jim had a special devotion to Saint Sharbel of Lebanon. He belonged to Saint Thomas Catholic Parish. His accomplishments and awards: Air Force Rocket propulsion Laboratory, Astronautics Laboratory, Star Council award, KofC, and Wilbur J. Hastranft Lifetime achievement award in 2009, Society of Plastics Engineers, Inc., Charter member of Space and Missiles Technology, Recognition of 30 years of service for the Government, Outstanding service of 30 years to the Phillips Laboratory Edwards Air Force Base, recognition of contributions to the Air Force Resources Conservation Program, and in 1977 an award from New York University for participation in estimating and controlling manufacturing cost. The family would like to say a special thank you for all the help from John and Debbie Koury, who sat with Jim every week, and took him to football games; and to the hospice nurses who cared for James with passion, patience, and kindness. The rosary will be recited on Tuesday, November 25, 2014, 7:00 p.m., at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, November 26, 2014, 10:30 a.m., at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Rd SE in Rio Rancho, with Monsignor Douglas Raun as celebrant. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Sam Mardini, Sammy Mardini, Jr., Michael Soto, Matt Plummer, Jason Koury and John Koury. Honorary Pallbearers are Edward Baca, Jerry Koury, Duke Yarnell, Steven Soto, Brad Koury, and James Romero. Jim will be missed by all who knew him. Please visit our online guestbook for James at www.FrenchFunerals.com FRENCH - Westside 9300 Golf Course Rd NW 505-897-0300