Charles Thomas James

Charles Thomas James, 77, a long-time Austin resident died Thursday, August 22, 2013 from multiple organ failure. Known to his wife, Harriett, and many friends as "Chuck" and his three brothers as "Bubba," he began a full, adventuresome life on October 31, 1935 at Paris, Texas. His parents Emezirah "Jack" James and Nola Garner James moved with Chuck and his brothers to California and Arizona before returning to Texas. Chuck was graduated from Ralls High School and attended Paris Junior College before enlisting the US Air Force in 1954. He attended Officer Candidate School in 1964 eventually retiring with the rank of Captain in 1975 after duty in Turkey, Thailand, and at the Pentagon. The Air Force awarded him a Bronze Star for meritorious service during his tour in Vietnam. After the Air Force, Chuck worked for Lockheed Missiles and Space ending that second career in Austin. He received his bachelor's and first master's degree in Political Science from Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan and a second Master of Arts in International Relations from the University of Denver in Colorado. While at MSU he was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi national honor society and Pi Kappa Alpha (Alpha Omicron chapter) the national Political Science honor society. A life-long conservative in best sense of the word, Chuck avidly read historical and political non-fiction as well espionage, thriller, and political fiction. With Lockheed he traveled the world and after his retirement he and Harriett continued to travel with trips to Ireland, Scotland, England, the Continent, Alaska, Canada, and many Caribbean islands. His one regret was to have never walked the Appalachian Trail. Survived by the love of his life, Harriett (Duell), who Chuck met and married in New York state while stationed there in 1959; son, Gregg (Karen) of Spring, Texas; daughter, Kimberly (Ed) of Belton, Missouri; grandson, Travis, a recent graduate of Texas A&M, of Spring; and granddaughter, Ashleigh, a student/athlete at Baylor University. Also surviving are brothers, Billy (Maxine) of Abilene, Texas, Jerry of Payne Springs, and Ray of Austin as well a sister-in-law, Susan Duell, of New York and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces. His parents and a sister, Sarah, preceded him in death. At his request Chuck's remains were cremated. His family plans a memorial service at 10 a.m. October 5, 2013 at Weed-Corley-Fish Lake Travis at 411 Ranch Road South in Lakeway, Texas. For more information call 512-452-8811. Chuck died despite caring, professional care from doctors and nurses in the Intensive Care Unit at Seton Medical Center. The family is deeply grateful. The family suggests memorial donations to the American Heart Association.