Roll Call Tribute

James Frank "Jim" Keblinger 

August 30, 1932 - February 5, 2024

James Frank Keblinger, 91, passed away Monday, February 5, 2024, in Bryan, Texas.

Jim was born August 30, 1932, in Waskom, Texas to Farney and Katie (Shaw) Keblinger. He grew up in Jasper, Texas.

He was a proud member of the Texas A&M Class of '53 and was serving as one of the Class Agents at the time of his death. After graduation, he joined the Air Force and served in Japan and the Philippines. After discharge as a 1st Lieutenant, he returned to Texas and began a long career with Shell in Houston. In 1957, he married Carol Achenbach.

His long career with Shell began as a lab technician. He was promoted through the ranks to research chemist in 1979, then to management in 1980. He retired in 1992 as a research manager. Jim served several years as the Shell Development Company representative on the Chemical Technology Advisory Committee of Texas State Technical College in Harlingen, Texas. He participated in successful start-ups of new Shell processes as an analytical member of on-site teams in Baton Rouge, LA and Mobile, AL. Jim maintained contact with many colleagues from Shell.

Jim was first and foremost proud of his family. He often said that marrying Carol Achenbach was the most important thing he ever did. They were avid Aggie fans, and their retirement was spent traveling the country to watch the Aggies play football wherever a game was scheduled. Jim was a loving husband and father. Affectionately known as Pepaw, he made many memories with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He and Carol funded Endowed Opportunity Award scholarships for students from Cypress Creek and Jasper high schools. He was proud of his scholarship family and established relationships with them that lasted beyond graduation. Jim served multiple times as president of the Pebble Creek Owners Association. He led and organized a very successful drive to freeze City of College Station taxes for seniors and the disabled.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Carol Achenbach Keblinger, brothers John Keblinger and Robert Keblinger. He is survived by his daughter Linda (Mike) Nicolosi, son James (Elayne) Keblinger; grandchildren Daniel (Cara) Nicolosi, Catherine Nicolosi, Bryan (fiancée Cookie) Keblinger, and Dylan Keblinger; great-grandchildren Robert Nicolosi, Ella Nicolosi, and Weston Nicolosi. Serving as pallbearers are Daniel Nicolosi, Bryan Keblinger, Dylan Keblinger, Dave Lyons, Al Nelson, and Larry Spino. The family wishes to express their thanks and gratitude to the caregivers and staff of The Parc at Traditions Assisted Living Community.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 9 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in College Station with Pastor Elaine Gomulka officiating. Interment will follow at Memorial Cemetery of College Station - Aggie Field of Honor. Visitation will be on Thursday, February 8 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Hillier Funeral Home, College Station.

The family asks that in lieu of customary commemorations, memorial gifts be made to the James F. "Jim" Keblinger '53 EOA Scholarship Fund III at the Texas A&M Foundation. Checks should be made payable to the Texas A&M Foundation and mailed to 401 George Bush Dr., College Station, TX 77840-2811. Please note on your check or donation "In memory of Jim Keblinger '53, EOA III"