James B. Devlin
October 31, 1932 ~ April 25, 2015
Devlin, James B., 82, born October 31, 1932 in Wichita to Fern and Floyd Devlin, passed away April 25, 2015. Rosary will be at 7:00 P.M., Thursday, April 30, 2015, at Downing Lahey East Mortuary. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 A.M., Friday, May 1, 2015, at Church of the Magdalen. Jim attended Cathedral High School where he met his wife of 62 years Kathleen Powers. He attended the University of Kansas and graduated with a degree in geology and petroleum engineering. He was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Jim joined the Marine Corps in 1955 and served as a First Lieutenant Infantry officer until 1958. He began his long career in the oil and gas business as a staff geologist with Conoco from 1958-1963. In 1963 Jim became a consulting geologist and independent oil operator of Jayhawk Oil Company. In 1982 he formed Viking Resources with Tom Wesselowski. Jim was a past President of KIOGA, an inductee into both the Kansas Oil and Gas Hall of Fame and the Kansas Oil Museum, past President of Wichita Country Club, and a found board member of the Sedgwick County Zoo among his many accomplishments. Jim is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Barry of Denver, CO. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kathleen; and his sister, Nadine Hickey of Virginia. Jim is also survived by his four children, Kathi Devlin Page (Stephen) of Dallas, Shannan Deviln Carnes (John) of Wichita, Shawn Powers Devlin (Cathy) of Wichita, Brian Patrick Devlin (Julie) of Boulder, CO; grandchildren, Collin Powers Devlin, Connor Kelly Devlin, Patrick Powers Devlin, Laine Elizabeth Devlin. Jim treasured his wife, children, and of course, his grandchildren. He loved his friends, KU sports, and telling a good joke. His friends will remember that he had an opinion on anything and you seldom had to ask for it. Jim and Kathy had many adventures traveling the world together and great trips with wonderful friends. For over 65 years, they treasured their time at their beloved mountain cabin in Spar City, CO. Jim was legendary for his great story telling, remembering the punch line to the best jokes, and being surrounded by so many friends, family and laughter. Big, gregarious, bright and honorable he inspired us all. He left a mark on everyone and every community he was a part of. And like a true United States Marine, was a great leader for the organizations he was involved with. We would like to thank his healthcare nurses from Interim Healthcare for their wonderful care of Jim over the last few years. In lieu of flowers, a memorial can be sent to: The Marine Corp Scholarship Foundation, 909 N. Washington St., Ste. 400, Alexandria, VA 22314 in memory of James B. Devlin or online at: www.mcsf.org. Downing Lahey Mortuary East.
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Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni. Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever. Thank you James for your service to this nation. U.S. Marine Corps.