James Francis Langer

James Francis Langer, 69, of Houston, Texas passed away peacefully at home in his sleep, on April 11, 2026. He was born on July 13, 1956, to parents Raymond and Margaret Langer in Los Angeles, California. After earning his Bachelor’s degree at UCLA in chemical engineering, he met and married Alice in 1982 while working in Dallas. He spent several decades as a process engineer at Shell, and later at Hess, where he was known for his relentless love for problem solving and passion for safety. Even in retirement, his enthusiasm for the field persisted, and he found great fulfillment sharing his expertise with the next generation of engineers while teaching courses at PetroSkills. Life’s simple rituals were among his favorite things. He enjoyed traveling, but was just as happy at home - perfecting a loaf of sourdough, reading a good book, manning the grill for family dinners, or spending a slow morning making waffles for his beloved grandchildren. He loved playing tennis at the Westside Tennis Club, where the camaraderie of his leagues and spending time on the court with Alice meant just as much as a well placed serve. Jim’s greatest joy in life was his family. His legacy is beautifully carried forward by his beloved wife of 43 years, Alice Langer; son Michael Langer; daughter Teresa Yanchak and husband Nathan; and cherished grandchildren Emily and Luke Yanchak. A devout Catholic, Jim’s unwavering faith was the guiding force in his life, illuminating his path with compassion and kindness. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Maria Lanakila Catholic Church, Maui, Hawaii, a parish he was always grateful for the opportunity to visit, in a place that holds many wonderful family memories. https://marialanakilachurch-100200-100066.square.site/ The family will be receiving guests on Thursday April 16, 2026 at Dettling Funeral Home (14094 Memorial Drive Houston, TX) for visitation from 4:30 until 5:30 pm, with a Rosary beginning at 5:30 pm. The funeral service will be held on Friday April 17, 2026 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church (625 Nottingham Oaks Trail Houston, TX) at 10:30 am.

James Francis Langer

July 13, 1956 - April 11, 2026