Early Life and Career
James Donald McConaughey was born on November 7, 1929, in Jackson, Mississippi, and passed away on August 17, 1992, in Fort Bend County, Texas. He lived a life shaped by grit, ambition, and intense family ties. Known as a physically strong, no-nonsense man, McConaughey had a larger-than-life personality that influenced his children’s attitudes toward life and work.
He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 27th round of the 1953 NFL Draft, but he never played a professional game. After his brief brush with football, McConaughey shifted his energy to the oil pipe supply business, a field he would dominate for decades in Texas.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Donald McConaughey |
| Born | November 7, 1929 |
| Died | August 17, 1992 |
| Place of Death | Fort Bend County, Texas |
| Profession | Oil pipe businessman |
| NFL Draft | 1953, Green Bay Packers, Round 27 |
| Spouse (on-and-off) | Mary Kathleen McCabe (Kay McConaughey) |
| Children | Rooster, Patrick (adopted), Matthew |
| Cause of Death | Heart attack |
Business and Personality
James Donald was more than a businessman. His reputation in the Texas oil industry was one of aggressive negotiation and no apologies. He co-owned and operated a pipe supply company in the booming oilfields of Texas, and he did so on his own terms. Friends and family often described him as volatile yet charismatic, a man who lived passionately and with unfiltered expression.
He married Mary Kathleen “Kay” McCabe three times, with two divorces in between. Their relationship was turbulent yet inseparable. McConaughey reportedly predicted his own death would occur during sex—a prophecy that came true in 1992 at the age of 62, shortly after reconciling with Kay for the final time.
Family Tree
James Donald McConaughey had three sons:
| Name | Birth Year | Relation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael “Rooster” McConaughey | 1954 | Eldest Son | Businessman, reality TV figure, father of Margarita |
| Patrick McConaughey | Unknown | Adopted Son | Largely private life |
| Matthew McConaughey | 1969 | Youngest Son | Oscar-winning actor, author, entrepreneur |
Matthew McConaughey
James Donald’s youngest son, Matthew David McConaughey, was born in 1969 in Uvalde, Texas, and raised in Longview. He has often credited his father’s toughness and unrelenting drive as the foundation of his own discipline and fearlessness.
Matthew’s career highlights include:
- Academy Award for Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
- Leading role in True Detective (2014)
- Published memoir Greenlights (2020)
- Entrepreneurship in spirits, fitness, and sports
- Co-owner of Austin’s professional soccer team
- Philanthropy through the Just Keep Livin’ Foundation
As of 2025, Matthew McConaughey’s estimated net worth is approximately $140 million.
Rooster McConaughey
Michael “Rooster” McConaughey, born in 1954, followed in his father’s entrepreneurial footsteps. A rugged businessman in the oil and livestock sectors, Rooster gained public attention via reality television, portraying an unapologetically Texan lifestyle.
He starred in:
- West Texas Investors Club (CNBC)
- Black Gold (minor role)
- The Newton Boys (1998, alongside Matthew)
Rooster is also known for his unconventional child-naming approach. He named his son Miller Lyte, and his daughter Margarita Olympia, after popular alcoholic beverages.
Margarita Olympia McConaughey
A New Generation of McConaughey
Margarita Olympia McConaughey, born circa 2009, is the daughter of Rooster McConaughey and niece of Matthew McConaughey. Known affectionately as “Maggie,” she recently became the subject of national attention due to her quinceañera celebration in May 2024.
| Name | Margarita Olympia McConaughey |
|---|---|
| Born | ~2009 |
| Father | Michael “Rooster” McConaughey |
| Uncle | Matthew McConaughey |
| Birthday Milestone | Quinceañera in May 2024 |
| Known For | Lavish birthday, viral dance video |
| Personality Traits | Poised, stylish, confident |
During the event, held in West Texas, Matthew styled her hair, gave a heartfelt speech, and danced with her—moments captured in a viral TikTok video shared by Mes Lab Studio. While she is still a minor, her entrance into the public eye signals the emergence of a new generation of McConaugheys potentially poised for fame.
Personal Traits and Legacy
His sons’ careers and granddaughter’s burgeoning fame honour James Donald McConaughey. Despite his mid-century Southern toughness, masculinity, and familial power, he was unpredictable. His business, personal, and parenting style was forthright, explosive, and loyal.
| Trait | James Donald McConaughey |
|---|---|
| Temperament | Strong-willed, intense, competitive |
| Values | Family, work ethic, masculinity |
| Legacy Impact | Influenced son’s discipline, confidence |
| Reputation | Larger-than-life, old-school Texan |
FAQ
How did James Donald McConaughey die?
As predicted, he died of a heart attack at 62 while sexing with his wife Kay.
Which business did James McConaughey own?
In Texas, he ran a thriving oil pipe supply company, becoming famous.
Had James McConaughey played football professionally?
He was draughted by the Packers in 1953 but never played in the NFL.
How many times did James marry Kay McConaughey?
They married three times and divorced twice in a decades-long on-and-off relationship.
Who are James McConaughey’s children?
Rooster (Michael), Patrick, and Oscar-winner Matthew McConaughey were his sons.
Margarita Olympia McConaughey: what is known?
The daughter of Rooster, born approximately 2009, earned recognition in 2024 following a high-profile quinceañera.
What type of dad was James McConaughey?
He set high standards but supported his sons, teaching them discipline and tenacity.
Did James encourage Matthew’s acting?
Though he preferred traditional paths, he encouraged Matthew’s performing career.
Where did James McConaughey live?
He lived in Texas, mostly in areas linked to the oil trade, including Fort Bend County.
Is Margarita Olympia pursuing a career?
Though virally famous, she is still a teenager and has not pursued a profession.
