Jim Wayne Harvey

Jim W. Harvey born February 28, 1949 in Tyler, Texas, passed away March 29, 2010 in Houston. Jim was the son of M.J. Harvey, Jr. and Carolyne Gibbs-Harvey. Jim’s family lived all over the world and settled in Houston where Jim attended Robert E. Lee High School. He graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1971 where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. He was the founder of Altek Systems, a microfilm and data storage company which was successful for 32 years, and was loved by his customers literally worldwide. He was a longtime member of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. Jim had the heart of a servant. He made numerous mission trips to Guatemala through his church, taught ESL, worked in the food pantry, and was on the Board of Directors for Larkin Community Center. Jim was an active volunteer at the Larkin Community Center where he recently received the Community Service Award and was honored for his years of service with the dedication of the Jim Harvey Library. He endowed the Jim and Cindy Harvey scholarship at Stephen F. Austin University. Jim began running in his 40’s and completed 5 full marathons and 5 half marathons. He coached the “Red Lobster” running group of Houston Fit for a marathon. He was an avid traveler who spoke 5 languages. Jim was an extremely giving and optimistic person who truly loved his family and friends. “His favorite spot was to sit in the front yard in the swing, with a glass of wine in his hand, his beloved parrot Bogey on his shoulder and his loving wife by his side, waving at every car that passed by.” Jim never met a stranger. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Cindy; son Ryan, daughter Kristin; mother-in-law Jean Sypert; brother-in-law Scott Sypert and wife Janet; stepmother Mrs. M.J. Harvey Jr.; sisters Allison Trum and husband Joe, Elizabeth Clyde and husband Nelson, Nancy Blomdahl and husband Bill; brothers Patrick Wells, John Harvey and wife Lori, and Jason Harvey and wife Deborah, and numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service officiated by Dr. Charles B. Simmons and The Reverend Daniel Irving was held Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 2:00 PM at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive in Houston. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s honor to The Larkin Community Center, 5410 Larkin St., Houston, TX 77007. Please go online to www.DettlingFuneral.com to leave online tributes.

Jim Wayne Harvey

February 28, 1949 - March 29, 2010