James H. Stone, founder and chairman of Stone Energy Corp., Lafayette, La., (NYSE: SGY) passed away Jan. 14. He was 82.

Stone started his first oil and gas company more than 55 years ago and brought Stone Energy public in 1993. Under his leadership and direction, the company grew to a market capitalization of more than $1.2 billion.

Stone was a decorated Marine Corps officer in World War II and the Korean War and a graduate of Williams College. He attended Texas A&M graduate school in geology, and was a long-time resident of New Orleans.

Stone Energy chief executive David Welch says, “Jimmy will be sorely missed by the company, his friends and his family. He built Stone Energy into a premier energy company, and his positive influence on the company will continue long after his death.
Jimmy provided the company with great leadership, enthusiasm and business savvy during his tenure as CEO and chairman. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”