Dr. James Michael Devlin

December 17, 1978 - March 18, 2025

Clovis, New Mexico - Dr. James Michael Devlin PhD, devoted husband, father, son and friend passed away peacefully at his home in Clovis, New Mexico on March 18,2025 after his battle with cancer.

James was born December 17,1978 to Joseph Patrick Sr. and Barbara Deanne in Tacoma, Washington.

James graduated from Foss High School and then went on to get his Bachelor of Arts at The University of Washington followed by Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology as well as his Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Clinical Psychology from Texas A & M University. Dr. Devlin sat on the Board of Directors of the International Association of Psychology and Counseling, which is an organization he was extremely proud of. James was a brilliant educator who thrived in Academia and mentored many throughout his career. He truly loved helping his students learn and they adored him. James lived his life with integrity, was fiercely loyal to all in his circle, had a great sense of humor, and was generous and kind to everyone he knew.

James was preceded in death by his son James Patrick. He is survived by his loving wife Erin; children Evelyn and Donald; parents Joseph Sr. and and Barbara (Tacoma); brothers Joseph Jr. (Shelley) (Missoula, MT), Sean (Tacoma, WA); nephews Trigg, Joseph, Owen; aunts Frances "Lucky" Devlin (Boston, MA), Mary Callanan (Boston, MA); in-laws Don and Heidi Zimmerman (Federal Way, WA); sister-in-law Nicole Slettvet (Tacoma, WA); an army of 1st and 2nd cousins (Boston, MA) and many colleagues and friends.

He will be greatly missed by all.

Funeral Services will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home & Cemetery, Tacoma, WA.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) from Mar. 22 to Mar. 26, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for James Devlin

Sponsored by Mountain View Funeral Home - Tacoma.

23 Entries

Samantha Culbertson

May 21, 2025

Dr. Devlin was a fierce advocate for me as I limped across the finish line completing my dissertation. He was a talented researcher and always included students in his ideas and work! He held me to a high standard and didn´t coddle me, he let me know that I had it within me! I am so very thankful for his guidance, support, and confidence in me! Because he believed in me, I believed in me! He adored his family and would beam as he shared stories of his wife and children! I am deeply saddened to hear of this loss and my prayers and heart are with his family! His impact had a ripple effect on the counseling profession!

Diane Elrod

April 20, 2025

Forever in our hearts. You left an indelible mark, James.

Trent Elrod

March 30, 2025

I met James in 2004 in Corpus Christi when I first left home for college. Our friendship became more of a brotherhood throughout the years and his wisdom was something I found comfort in when facing life´s adversities.The impact that James´s robust sense of humor, sharp intellect, charisma, and calm nature has had on my life helped mold me into the man I am today, and I will be forever grateful to him for that.

I will never forget the good times we had - laughter, adventures, and of course, the occasional late-night prank call!

I cannot express how dearly James will be missed. My deepest condolences go out to Erin, Evelyn, Donald and all of James´s Family.

JC Herbold Beta theta pi zip 82

March 28, 2025

I was great full to know such a great man sorry for your loss

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Tayllor B.

March 27, 2025

I did not know Dr. James Devlin personally, but I was one of his students for three classes. I always admired his intelligence, the way he cared for each of his students, and his constant reminder to all of us that he believed in our abilities to become great counselors one day. Any time I had a question or needed guidance on coursework, Dr. Devlin always responded and truly took the time to help. I feel incredibly blessed to have been taught by him, and hope I can use the skills I learned from him in my future career as a counselor. I had and still do have the highest respect for him, and I feel that he left a deep lasting impression on every single one of his students who had the pleasure of being taught by him. I give my deepest condolences to his family and friends, he was truly an amazing professor and person.

Sean D Lee

March 26, 2025

To Mrs. Devlin and sons, and all of Dr. Devlin's family:
I never had the opportunity to physically meet up with Dr. Devlin, as we only related through the screen. But I can tell you that his influence and inspiration has changed my life.
I'm in my mid 50's and I decided to not only try to add some skills in counseling but pursue my Masters and accreditation. As I looked at the schedule he laid out for me and the time it would take, I mentioned insecurity in it all. He boldly reassured me that I'm not too old and that I could do this if I tried. In class, he would get our minds set, calling us "colleagues" - which, of course, is not technically, true, but it got us thinking about hard work, professionalism, ethics, and continued learning as a therapist. If it were not for Dr. Devlin's encouagement I don't know what I'd do.
I pray for the family, that his wife and sons may take consolation that he was a committed educator to his students and did so with integrity and honor. That they would know that the Good Shepherd guides them and loves them.
Dr. James Devlin will always be one of my most important role models in therapy and education in the days to come. I honor him and mourn his loss.

Barrett

March 26, 2025

I will always remember James´ big heart and ability to quietly and hilariously light up a room. He was a one of a kind guy. Rest easy buddy.

Sergio Canales

March 25, 2025

James was a friend who brought light to every room he entered. His infectious energy and quick wit made him the life of every party, and his spontaneity turned ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. Whether it was a late-night debate, a spontaneous road trip, or a daring adventure, James was always the first to jump in with both feet, his boundless enthusiasm and creative thinking never failing to inspire those around him. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and children during this incredibly difficult time.

In college, James was a force of nature. His unique combination of sharp intellect and unapologetic craziness turned every class, every gathering, and every late-night study session into something special. He had an extraordinary way of making even the most challenging moments feel like an exciting adventure, and his unwavering friendship made him a beloved figure among his peers.

James´ humor and charisma weren't confined to just his friends - he had a special way of connecting with everyone, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who was lucky enough to meet him. Above all, James had a heart as big as his personality, always ready to lend a hand, share a laugh, or offer support whenever it was needed.

Though he lived life with a sense of wild abandon, he was grounded by an unshakable loyalty to his friends and loved ones. His loss leaves a hole that no one could ever fill, but the memories of his boundless spirit will continue to light up our hearts forever.

Daniel Canales

March 25, 2025

James Devlin, you were the kind of person who could light up a room with your humor, challenge us with your sharp mind, and keep us on our toes with your unpredictable energy. You were funny, smart, serious when it mattered, and just the right amount of crazy to make life more interesting. College wouldn´t have been the same without you, and neither will the world. You´ll always be remembered for the laughter, the debates, and the unforgettable moments. Rest easy, my friend.

Bianca Granados

March 25, 2025

Dr. Devlin was a very kind and passionate professor here at ENMU. You couldn't not look forward to classes with him, he created a space for all his students to express themselves and continue to strive through their educational journey. He is a big part of why I found my passion for my degree. He will truly be missed by many of us.

Josh Machicek

March 25, 2025

You had no choice but to love James if you were ever around him. He was smart, witty, and one of the most real people I´ve met. May he enjoy watching down on us. We´ll meet again someday, my friend.

Nicole Slettvet

March 24, 2025

James was truly a wonderful brother-in-law and a loving and caring uncle. He always made sure to tell me how much he cared for my son (cousin Trigg) He had such a kind, loving heart We will always cherish all the fun times and all laughs we all enjoyed over the years. The best part was watching my sister and James like two best friends sharing their worlds together sharing an adventures to Mississippi, Texas, New Mexico Then they both became these amazing parents together and it shows through their two bundle of joy Evelyn and Donald. We´re gonna miss you so much. And James no, I´m not wearing a helmet lol

Jake Owens

March 24, 2025

James was a great friend to all whom had the pleasure of meeting him. We shared some lively time in Corpus Christi and those memories will be cherished. He´ll be remembered as a devout husband and loving father.

John Wilkinson

March 24, 2025

James and I lived in Corpus around the same time. I looked up to James and appreciated that he was responsible but knew how to have a good time with the best of them. We will miss you James, condolences to his family and loved ones.

Niya Rivera

March 24, 2025

James and I went to high school together we had a lot laughs. He will definitely be missed, sending my deepest condolences.

Jimmy Cole

March 24, 2025

James was always super calm and layed back. He also smiled constantly. I was a bartender at Mulligans in the early 2000s and he liked to order the fishbowls. Our rule was that they needed to be shared amongst a group of people due to the amount of alcohol we poured inside of them. James always said he bought it for the group but I always watched him and he never shared. He hugged the Bowles and would put all the straws in his mouth when he drank. I liked him too much to tell him no.

Derek Brown

March 24, 2025

You will be missed James! You were a smart charismatic friend. Prayers See you up above someday!

Kathy, Tracy and Cohort 6 TxAM

Planted Trees

BGuevara

March 24, 2025

Dr. Devlin was an amazing professor and mentor at enmu. He always made himself available to answer any questions and just be a sounding board as we navigate the world of counseling. He will be incredibly missed but never forgotten.

Amy Lucero

March 24, 2025

Dr. Devlin was my favorite professor at ENMU. He was a wonderful educator and I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family.

RBegay

March 24, 2025

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Thank you Dr. D for being a wonderful professor! You're counseling knowledge and education will be missed.

Barry Anderson

March 23, 2025

After deciding to return to school at the age of 60, Dr. Devlin was my first professor. That first class and having him as my professor was a blessing and I believe God ordained. He will be greatly missed. I am praying for his family at home and his family at school.

The Devlin's

March 22, 2025

We love and miss you with all of our hearts! You were an amazing husband and father. Forever yours,
Erin, Evelyn, Donald, Tiki, and Sully

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