James Kent Schuster

1962 - 2021

James Kent Schuster, known by his friends as a caring and charismatic man who loved his friends and family, died in Austin, Tx August 11, 2021, of complications from Covid. He was 59 years old.
Kent was born in Nacogdoches, Tx on March 23, 1962, to Joseph and Sylvia Schuster. He, his two older brothers, David and Stan, and younger sister Suzanne had a wonderful childhood in Bryan, Texas. In his youth, Kent's passions included biking, running, and working on cars. He enjoyed all aspects of the outdoors, camping, hiking, hunting, boating, and fishing. He was an avid horseman. He adored his English Setter hunting dogs. His animals were a faithful family to him.
Kent was gifted with a brilliant mind and was a a perpetual seeker of knowledge and thus a very successful student earning multiple degrees. He was a double major at Texas A&M, graduating in 1984 with a BBA in Accounting and Finance. Realizing his potential, he enrolled at Vanderbilt University Law School, receiving a Doctor of Juris Law in 1990. Then, because he was an Aggie through and through, he returned to Texas A&M and enrolled in his father Joe Schuster's Rangeland Sciences department. There he earned a Master of Science in Rangeland Ecology and Management. A professional of business, law, and the outdoors. He loved what he studied and practiced what he loved as a successful lawyer for corporations and later in private practice. He helped many people with his expertise of the law, using his Christian values to guide his practice. He was raised in the Methodist church and continued to value religion throughout his life, seeking out a church community wherever he lived. . He often said he felt closest to God when he was on or near the water.
Kent spent time studying abroad in England, Scotland, Holland, and Switzerland. Traveling and adventure were a mainstay in his life. With exquisite taste and an eye for anything vintage, he collected antiques and enjoyed remodeling old homes. A spy novel buff, he secretly wanted to be a CIA agent, though his dream job was to be Secretary of State.
Kent cherished his friends. They describe him as feisty, funny, and very sentimental with a heart much bigger than most. Kent adored his family and wanted more than anything to belong, to be loved, to be accepted, to be a good brother, to be a good son. He loved and cherished the elderly and they cherished him. He was a fierce protector of his baby sister, Suzanne. Having a little sister gave him comfort and purpose.
Kent is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Sylvia. He is survived by brothers and sisters-in-law David and Carla Schuster of Kerrville, Stanley, and Sherrie Schuster of Boerne. His sister and sister-in-law Suzanne and Stephanie Erwin of Austin. Nephews and nieces Carter, Cameron, Garrett, Meredith, C and Will. Cousins and other extended family. He also leaves behind a host of friends that cared for him and loved him for who he was. He will be missed by so many.
We will honor Kent with a service at a later date, likely March 23, 2022 (his 60th BD). Until then, please see this link for a slideshow. We will update this channel with details.

https://tinyurl.com/KentsMemorial