James Andrew McAfee passed away Jan. 31 in Richardson, Texas, after a lengthy battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.
Born Jan. 22, 1945 in Edinburg, Texas, McAfee left quite a footprint in the turfgrass industry, working for 40 years in the industry and finishing his career as an associate professor and turfgrass specialist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension & Research Center in Dallas. He received his bachelor and master degrees from Texas A&M University and his Ph.D. from Purdue University specializing in turfgrass sciences. McAfee received numerous awards and recognitions for his knowledge, service and contributions to the industry. He also was a member of professional organizations, including Texas Turfgrass Association and Sports Turf Managers Association.
McAfee is survived by his wife of 47 years, Kayla McAfee of Richardson; son Thomas McAfee and wife Jewell McAfee and their sons Steffen, Dylan and Brandon, all of San Antonio; son Alan McAfee and wife Stephanie McAfee and their son Carson, of Garland Texas; son Eric McAfee of Richardson; sister Virginia (Ginny) Pittman of College Station, Texas; niece Peggy Frisbie of Harleysville, Pa., and nephew Doug Thornton of College Station, as well other family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Dr. T.E. McAfee Memorial Fund Scholarship 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, Texas, 77840. Please note on checks “In memory of Dr. James A. McAfee ’67.”
