James Anthony Fleming

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Anthony Fleming, a beloved resident of Houston, Texas, who passed away peacefully on April 22, 2025, at the age of 78. Born on April 2, 1947, in Oakland, California, James lived a life rich in experiences and cherished connections touching the hearts of all who knew him.

James proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War, stationed in Thailand. His dedication to his service reflected his commitment to duty and his strong sense of patriotism.

Outside his military service, James had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He found joy in hiking, riding horses, and spending time relaxing by the pool. He also harbored a love for sailing, a passion that once led him to own his own sailboat, allowing him to embrace the tranquility of the open water.

James' connection to the water went beyond a simple pastime. He pursued his passion for sailing to its fullest, even obtaining his captain's license. With this credential, he generously shared his love of the sea by taking others sailing, creating memorable experiences on the water for his friends and family.

Beyond his personal enjoyment of riding horses, James also found great fulfillment in sharing his passion with others. He dedicated several years to volunteering at SIRE Therapeutic Horsemanship. In this role, he offered invaluable physical and verbal support to riders, ensuring their safety and comfort as they experienced the unique benefits of therapeutic horseback riding. His commitment to SIRE reflected his compassionate nature and his desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others.

Family and friendships were at the heart of James's life. He cherished his relationships with his loved ones and made it a priority to connect with and visit them regularly, ensuring those bonds remained strong and vibrant. He treasured moments spent with his good friends and neighbors. Days were often filled with laughter and friendly competition over games of Uno and Bridge, which were among his favorite card games. His Catholic faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he attended mass faithfully at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, finding guidance and strength in following the Word of the Lord.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James Edward Fleming and Isabelle Fleming, and his sisters, Verle Hill, Germaine Wiley, and Tammy Babineck. He is survived by his loving family: his son, Steven Fleming, and his wife Lisa Shapiro of Houston, TX; his sister, Marsha Morthland, and her husband Sam Morthland of Houston, TX; his sister, Ceila Cravey, and her husband Paul Cravey of Baytown, TX; his brother, Tom Fleming, of Camp Verde, AZ; and his brother-in-law, Frank Babineck, of Houston, TX.

James will be deeply missed by his family, his many friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. His kind heart, his love for life's simple joys, and his unwavering devotion to those he held dear will be forever cherished.