James J. Babka

He is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Donna, and his sons, Stephen James and Zachary Alexander, as well as Stephen’s wife, Briana, née Colfer.

Jim was born in Saint Louis, Missouri, but spent much of his childhood/teenage years in the greater Chicago area. He attended Notre Dame as an undergraduate in Mathematics and later pursued his Master's of Computer Science from Syracuse University.

Jim became a Software Engineer and started his career in upstate New York with IBM, Endicott, eventually transferring his family to Texas (IBM, Austin). In the dot.com hey day, Jim left IBM for opportunities at Trilogy Software, Forgent Networks, and Webify Solutions, prior to returning to IBM in the mid-2000s. He had many friends and colleagues, was well respected in his field, and is the holder of several patents.

Jim loved his family, golf, his computer, the color purple, music, and most importantly, God. In early 2000, He was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, which increasingly impacted his balance and physical capabilities. Jim's passion for music had him singing in the A Cappella and Traditional Choirs at church, and attending Austin Opera and Broadway in Austin shows regularly. A church-sponsored retreat weekend (CHRP) made a profound and positive impact on Jim's faith and brought many good friends his and Donna's way.

In addition to Donna and his sons, Jim is survived by many family members. Jim was the first-born son of James Richard Babka and Carol Ann Babka, née Holtmeyer. Jim is also survived by his step-mother Jeanette Babka and his siblings Molly Mabry, brother George Babka and his wife Susie, Jackie Schlarman, Dave Babka and his wife Libbie, Patrick Babka and his wife Laura;13 nieces and nephews as well as a multitude of Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Caring Bridge, Multiple Sclerosis Society, or Eagle's Wings in Jim's name would be appreciated.

A Visitation will be held Monday, May 4, 2015 at 6:00 until 7:30 p.m., followed by a Rosary. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Austin, Texas.

To share memories of James with his family visit ww.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com