James Edward Mayes

James accepted Christ at an early age and graduated from Timken High School in Canton, OH in 1986. James enlisted in the U.S. Army on February 26, 1987. Over his illustrious career, James dedicated 21 years, 2 months and 5 days of honorable service, during which he performed multiple tours serving his country with bravery:

One tour in Southwest Asia: 1990-1991

Three tours in Korea: 1988-1989; 1993-1994; 2000-2001

Two tours in Iraq: 2003-2004; 2005-2006

James’ exceptional leadership, commitment and service are a reflection of his courage, resilience and devotion to his comrades. James was deeply respected by his superiors, peers and subordinates alike – and not only as a Soldier but as a mentor, motivator and friend.

James always had a love for cooking and to sharpen and perfect his craft, he graduated from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in 2015 and Escoffier’s Pastry Arts Program in 2017.

James was preceded in death by his father and is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Tanya Mayes, with whom he shared 36 ½ beautiful years together; son, Antwan Tate (Shaye) of San Antonio, TX; daughter, Amber Mayes and our fur baby, Ghost Mayes of Pflugerville, TX; his lovely mother, Linda Mayes Towles; two sisters, Tina Mayes Elliott (Rod), Ericka Mayes and his favorite aunt, Jackie Dowdell all of Canton, OH; three brothers, James Smith, Ernest Williams of Canton, OH and Jason Benson of St. Petersburg, FL; three granddaughters, Nichole Tate of Little Elm, TX and J’Naija Gould, Jasmynn Gould-Tate both of Killeen, TX.

James leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews as well as a large extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins who are deeply mourning his passing and cherishing his memory.

James will be remembered for not only his military service but for the love, caring and laughter he poured into his entire family & friends. He will also be remembered for his love of the Dallas Cowboys and UT Longhorns.

A visitation for James will be held Friday, July 25, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 14501 North IH-35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660.

A funeral service with military honors will occur Saturday, July 26, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660.

Contributions in James' memory may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=10043&_gl=1 and American Cancer Society for Lymphoma, https://donate.cancer.org/?campaign=default&lang=en or to a charity of your choice.

We, the family of James Edward Mayes would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for all the prayers, calls, texts, visits, demonstrations of love, sympathy and support shown to the family during out time of bereavement. The numerous acts of kindness have truly blessed our family and touched our hearts.