James Greer Austin

James was born to Sam Wade and Mattie Tabb Austin in Mount Pleasant, Texas. After graduation from Mount Pleasant High School in 1949, he attended Sam Houston State University where he met the love of his life, Marilyn and they were blessed with four children that they adored. They moved to Bryan in 1958 where they both enjoyed long teaching careers in the Bryan ISD school system.

James has a long line of successes in radio and television but what he considered his most meaningful accomplishments were related to his work with his students. James told his children, “Not many men can say that they directed the first high school choir to be featured live on NBC’s “The Today Show” in 1959 in New York City; directed the SFA high school A Cappella Choir, selected as “The Finest 4-A High School Choir” in Texas in 1965.” He often commented on how multi-talented all of his choir students were during the years he taught in the Bryan schools and that remained a source of pride for him for the remainder of his life.

Being an only child, James was preceded in death by his former wife, Marilyn J. Austin. He is survived by his daughter, Martha J. Austin of Bryan, Texas; son Steven Austin and wife Kim of Austin, Texas; daughter Andi Cromeans and husband Darin of Bryan, Texas; daughter Jeanlizbeth Skinner and husband Alan of The Colony, Texas; his grandchildren, Kimberly Nachtsheim of Bryan, Texas; Ilysa Austin of San Francisco, California , Trammel Austin of Atlanta, Georgia; Quincy Austin of New York, New York; Jordan Cromeans of Lewisville, Texas; Jason Cromeans of Plano, Texas; Marilyn Skinner and Austin Skinner; and special family friends Troy Dungan, Adriene Bagley and Vicki Sterling.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Michael E. Jones for his remarkable and loving medical care; Ronny Baker at Brazos Valley Hearing Services; Comfort Keepers staff members, Christina and Karrie; Allumine Hospice of College Station staff members, Jasmine, Kim, Jody, Vivian, Heidi; and the devoted staff at Accel of College Station.

Per James’ wishes, his family will hold a private graveside service. There will be a public celebration of his life scheduled in the near future.

Monetary donations in honor James’ memory can be made to Allumine Hospice of College Station or Accel of College Station.

The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord lift His countenance upon you.

And give you peace, and give you peace,

The Lord make His face to shine upon you.

And be gracious unto you, and be gracious,

The Lord be gracious, gracious unto you.

Amen, Amen, Amen.

Amen, Amen, Amen.

Amen, Amen, Amen.