James Paul Austin

1959 - 2025

James Paul Austin

May 21, 1959 - August 4, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James Paul Austin, 66, of Winston-Salem, NC, who passed away peacefully on August 4, 2025. James was born on May 21,1959, in Kansas City, Missouri. A master welder, his career spanned working at nuclear plants in Kansas, the Hanes Mall and Baptist hospital expansions, ice rinks all over the country and owning his own business. A lifelong learner, James was a voracious reader (especially of Louis L'Amour westerns) and later in life earned an associates degree while always mastering new skills. An active volunteer, he was known for his kindness and his eagerness to help others. James loved coaching his daughter's track team and was active in the Our Lady of Mercy Knights of Columbus, his Homeowners Association and with any and all neighbors that needed home repairs or a helping hand. The last few years of his life were filled with the happiness of becoming a grandfather, seeing his grandchildren on a daily basis, traveling to visit family in Missouri and Colombia, and cheering on his favorite team, the Kansas City Chiefs. James's greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Gloria (Valencia) Austin, his daughter, Tatiana (Austin) Costello, and her husband, Paul Costello and their children Valentina and Leo. He also leaves behind his parents, Paul and Sandra Austin, his twin brother, Tim Austin, and his sisters Catherine Duncan and Candy Daily and families. A memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of Mercy on August 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to the Our Lady of Mercy Knights of Columbus for the Fr. Canice Connors Scholarship in James's memory. James also loved to donate blood, and doing so would be a meaningful tribute.