James Richard Hargis

1951 - 2013

James Richard Hargis obituary, 1951-2013, Houston, TX

FUNERAL HOME

Memorial Oaks Funeral Home & Cemetery

13001 Katy Fwy

Houston, Texas

James Hargis Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 8, 2013.

JAMES RICHARD HARGIS was born on the 23rd of August 1951, in Victoria TX, the son of Aurelius Vaden Hargis and Rosalie Hargis, and passed away on September 7, 2013, after a valiant battle with cancer.
Dick is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Holly Hargis, daughter Jenny Hargis Stirrat and son-in-law Glenn of Austin, and daughter Beth Hargis of Austin. He is also survived by his brother, V. Burns Hargis and wife Ann of Stillwater, OK, nephew Matt Hargis and family of Oklahoma City and niece Kate Hargis Haas and family of Norman OK. Additionally, Dick is survived by a large group of loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, A.V. and Rosalie Hargis.
Dick spent his childhood years in Louisiana and Oklahoma, before moving to Houston in 1966. He graduated from Memorial High School in 1969 and The University of Texas in 1973, with a B.A. in Government. After graduating from UT, he and Holly married and relocated to Washington, D.C. For six years, Dick was a member of the legislative staff of U.S. Senator Henry Bellmon of Oklahoma. In 1980, he received his law degree from George Mason University in Arlington, VA and practiced law in Washington, D.C. before returning to Texas in 1984 to join an Austin law firm. Four years later, Dick relocated his practice to Houston where, in 1997, he established Hargis & Harpold, LLP. In 2011, Hargis & Harpold, LLP was acquired by the Dallas law firm Vincent Lopez Serafino and Jenevein PC. Since 1988, he has proudly served as legal counsel to the Houston Association of REALTORS and various real estate firms in Houston. Dick was pleased to work with HAR for 25 years, especially its integral growth team of Bob Hale, Rene Galvan, Sam Scott and Shawn Dauphine.
Dick's passion for golf, history, and the University of Texas Longhorns was topped only by his love and devotion to his wife and daughters. He touched many people's lives and the family is grateful to dear friends Tom and Bibbi Anderson, longtime friend Tom Hale, law partner Grant Harpold, HAR staff, and many other colleagues, friends, and neighbors for their overwhelming support during this time. We will all miss his sense of humor, quick wit, and infectious charm.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 11, at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Houston with the Rev. Stuart Bates, Rector, officiating. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the Wheatcroft Parish Hall. The family will gather for a private burial prior to the memorial service.
The family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Dick's name be directed to St. Francis Episcopal Church, 345 Piney Point Rd., Houston, TX 77024 or Chisholm Trail Heritage Museum, PO Box 866, Cuero, TX 77954.

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August 15, 2014

Brenda Stagg

Holly, I am truly, truly sorry to learn of Richard's passing. Some people leave a lasting impression and Richard was one of them. He always had a cheeky grin and the knack to bring on a smile, and he was a friend to everyone he met.

October 12, 2013

Holly, I am so greatly saddened to learn of Dick's death. I was thinking of you two just yesterday and checked online this morning, only to learn the terrible news. As I sit here crying, I think of what great times we all had.... the mini golf, playing cards and laughing all the time. He was a wonderful lawyer and taught me so much about the practice, I shall be eternally grateful to have worked with him.

If there is anything I can do to help you and the girls, don't hesitate a minute to get in touch. My address is 2131 Derby Ct., Wheaton, IL and my phone number is (630) 690-0556. God's blessings and much love, Judy

October 2, 2013

Holly, Jenny and Beth - I was out of the loop and just learned from Bob about having lost my mentor and friend and one of my all around favorite lawyers ever. I hope there's an Austin Club bar in Heaven where he and my Dad are sharing a scotch. What a generous, great, well-loved man.
Joe Babb

September 13, 2013

Seita Jongebloed

The Realtor community has lost its greatest advocate; the legal community has lost a brilliant mind, and we have all lost a precious friend. He will be greatly missed but the wonderful memories will live on.

September 12, 2013

Holly, Jenny, and Beth--what a beautiful, blessed service yesterday...such a tribute to Dick!
Prayers for each of you as you press on.
Pat Whitehouse

September 12, 2013

Diane Corona

We will truly miss your wit and wisdom.

September 11, 2013

I have wonderful memories of college. Just wanted you to know that having Dick as a friend then is one of them.
Chris Stellar

September 11, 2013

Ned Stocker

Holly and girls - You've lost one wonderful husband/father - Meeting him in Austin and getting to know him as sophomores at UT was one significant highlight of my first year in school, there - Witty, quick on his feet and a load of fun - He was truly a "oner" - one of a kind!! Bigger than life, he was one special guy! My thoughts and prayers are with you - Ned

September 11, 2013

Estelle Elles

My deepest Sympathy to the Hargis family. We will miss Dick and his contribution to the real estate community. Will always be grateful for all the legal guidance.

September 11, 2013

Dear Holly, I have barely gotten over the loss of my dear friend Rosalie. Dick was a precious man and David and I would laugh about the Hargis men and their wonderful sense of humor. God truly blessed us all with knowing Dick. Please let Burns and Ann and your girls know that the Dauphins are thinking of you all at this sad time.
Love, Melanie Brown

September 10, 2013

Doc Adams

I remember Dick from his high school days on the MHS football team. He was a wonderful guy to be around then and now I can see he only got bigger and better. It is true that the good leave us too soon but I am pleased to know that Dick will live on in the hearts and memories of so many people. Well done Dick, well done.

September 10, 2013

Joni Wolfswinkel

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hargis family. Richard was a great man, with a great sense of humor always kind and most of all a great friend. We were saddened by the loss of Richard but relieved that he is no longer in pain. We will always and forever remember and miss you Richard. Love Shawn & Joni Wolfswinkel

September 10, 2013

Becky Kruse

To Holly, Jenny & Beth, my sincere condolences on the loss of your husband and father. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

September 10, 2013

Sonia & Mike Tersigne

To the Hargis family, Our sincerest condolences on the loss of Dick. Dick was an excellent lawyer and will be missed by the real estate community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sonia & Mike Tersigne

September 10, 2013

Evin Dugas

Dick was the best lawyer I ever tried a case with. I was very lucky to be in the courtroom with him as he approached a difficult case with no fear and constant humor. He always had such presence and wit. He had great insights about people and events. He may be gone but he will still guide me with his laughter and strength. You truly left your mark.

September 10, 2013

My condolences to Dick's family over their loss. He was a great guy with a wonderful wit. He helped me and the
Association of Realtors with good solid advice during my tenure as president, and provided the same guidance to many other presidents and real estate companies over the years. He will surely be missed. Lynn S. Zarr, Sr.

September 10, 2013

Mary Harkins Schmidt

Growing up, my parents and Mr. and Mrs. Hargis were good friends. My father and Mr. Hargis worked in the oil industry together. My older brother, Pat, was the same age as Burns, and Dick and I were the same age. We enjoyed their company back in the 60's when they first moved to Houston from Bartlesville. Dick was a wonderful person then. His entire family was a delight to know. I am so sorry that he died at such an early age. My deepest sympathies to his wife and daughters.

September 10, 2013

Tim Martin-Jenkins

From across the Atlantic, Tim Martin-Jenkins sends such sorrow at the end of Dick's wonderful life. He was a great friend. Golf was our reason for meeting and a game with Dick was always trendous fun, even if he did occasionally miss a 2 foot putt (that Tom Hale refused to give him after his perfect iron in) or hook the odd drive. I remember him teaching me military tactics by commandeering the high ground in the his cart; his amusement at my incomprehension of how long it takes some Texans to say ‘ I'm playing a Feyeve (5)iron'; our pick up game with ‘The Moose', who played every tee shot with his feet outside the left hand tee marker; our enjoyment of Chris Strang always announcing the number of his Titleist ball as he wetted his towel in the pond on the first hole at Royal Country Place; picking Dick up from Totnes railway station in Devon, England and telling him whopping fibs about the fellow guests he was about to meet in Thurlestone, which Dick handled with complete aplomb, as I knew he would; and my joining Dick and the beautiful Holly last year in Rome, where a brave Dick refused to complain and was set only on having a good time, which we surely did.
Anticipation of dinners out with Dick and Holly made the long journeys from Hong Kong to Houston more bearable: Dick would always be in top form and laughter was always present. He was quick and witty, generous and aware of others less fortunate than us. He was a very good friend who hugely enriched my life.
My love, sadness and deep sympathy to Holly, Jenny and Beth.
Tim M-J

September 10, 2013

Michael Magana

I learned so much about real estate from Dick. I always appreciated that he took care to answer all my questions with thoughtful professionalism. A true gentleman that will be missed.

September 10, 2013

Bud Albright

Holly, I just spoke with Suzanne and learned of Dick's death. Needless to say, I'm shocked and saddened. Ginger's and my hearts go out to you and the children. I will always remember the friendship we shared, the good times we had, and the decency, wit and talent Dick had. He was one in a million. We were all blessed to know him.

September 10, 2013

Lynn von Sternberg

There are some people that put a smile on your face just thinking of their name. Dick is one of those people. A most heartfelt sorrow in hearing of his passing.

September 9, 2013

Suzanne Mims

This news makes me weep yet I feel so fortunate that Dick was a part of our lives. He enriched our 20's, our wedding, law school, our Fairlington life, the sailing trip, pounding the ivories. Dick and Holly taught us about love, love in friendship and love in marriage. And that momentous birth of Jenny. Thank you God for sharing Dick with us -- he was one in a million. We've been miles apart for years but never in our hearts. Much love to you Holly and to Jenny and Beth.

September 9, 2013

Didn't know Dick but Penny spoke so highly of him and her sister Holly.
Thoughts and prayers from Sierra, Penny's son Thomas and Sierra's parents-John & Marilyn.

September 9, 2013

Torrey Herring

You will be missed dearly and loved always. Thank you for all of the politics, sports, longhorn conversations and overall humor that you always brought with you. I know that Aunt Holly, Jenny and Beth will always have you watching over and guiding them in all that they do. Until we meet again. Love you Uncle Dick.

September 9, 2013

Wayne Harpold, Jr.

Dick always lit up the room and made everyone feel special.

September 9, 2013

Gary Mims

Holly, Jenny and Beth, I don't know what to say other than we loved Dick very much. Gary, Suzanne, Katie and Hunter Mims

September 9, 2013

Sharon Elliott

He was a wonderful man and human being. He will always be missed.

September 9, 2013

Pat Whitehouse

Words cannot express the sadness I feel. As cousins, we all shared happy times when visiting Grannie Floss in Goliad, Texas. As I told Dick right before his birthday, even though we all went our separate ways as adults, those memories will be a part of us forever. You will be greatly missed!
Love and prayers to you, Holly, and your sweet family!

September 9, 2013

Tom Hale

I have so many fabulous Dick memories. What a wit!!! What a lawyer!!! What a longhorn fan!!! What a historian!!! What a well dressed handsome guy......!!! I will incredibly miss my fiery redheaded best friend. Our battles on the golf course were epic. That perfect swing is imbedded in my mind forever. He loved his Holly and the girls so much. What a great fight he fought. His positive attitude these last two years was fantastic. Dickey Boy affected so many peoples lives. Ask any of his close friends and they could tell you a great Hargis story. I am laughing right now thinking of a couple of my own personal favorite Hargis tales!!! No one will ever be like our Dick. He was truly one of a kind!! I miss you Ricardo. I will see you again on the other side. Love always, Tom Hale

September 9, 2013

Tom Hale

I have so many fabulous Dick memories. What a wit!!! What a lawyer!!! What a well dressed handsome guy......!!! I will incredibly miss my fiery redheaded best friend. Our battles on the golf course were epic. That perfect swing is imbedded in my mind forever. He loved his Holly and the girls so much. What a great fight he fought. His positive attitude these last two years was fantastic. Dickey Boy affected so many peoples lives. Ask any of his close friends and they could tell you a great Hargis story. I am laughing right now thinking of a couple of my own personal favorite Hargis tales!!! No one will ever be like our Dick. He was truly one of a kind!! I miss you Ricardo. I will see you again on the other side. Love always, Tom Hale

September 9, 2013

Rick and Lauryn Bennett

The earth has suffered quite a loss without your presence, but the heavens have gained an angel among them. May you find peace and comfort, and enjoy continuing to watch over the family who you meant the world to. Eternal love, Rick and Lauryn Bennett

September 9, 2013

Penny Herring

To our wonderful brother-in-law-May you rest with the angels. We will miss you so much. Our prayers are with Holly, Jenny & Glenn, Beth, and the entire Hargis family. Love, Penny

September 9, 2013

Kelly & Bill

His light will always shine in your hearts.

September 9, 2013

Kelly & Bill Livingston

For you my dear brother-n-law you brought so much joy into our lives with laughter even when fighting cancer. Thank you for all the years of joy you gave your family...we love you dearly, Kelly and Bill Livingston

September 9, 2013

Growing up I saw my cousin Dick at least once each year as we gathered at our grandparents' home for Christmas Eve. He reflected the engaging charm of his mother mixed with the steady commonsense of his father. His commitment to his wife and daughters, his abilities in a challenging profession, and the caring support he and Holly gave his mother who also lived in Houston all stand as testimonies to a life well-lived. Dick, we'll eat ambrosia again as we did each Christmas Eve.
--Jack Burns

September 8, 2013

Thank you for the kindness you showed me, I will always cherish the brief time we shared and the music we played together.- M.P.Hedemann

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