James Joseph Fleming

James Joseph Fleming, age 64, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025, after a long battle with ALS. He was born on July 4, 1960, in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, to parents, Robert and Kathryn Fleming. He attended Queen of the Rosary Grade School and St. Viator High School.

He attended the Chicago School of Floral Design and eventually became a buyer and manager for some of the leading floral companies in the nation. He traveled extensively in the United States as well as to South America and Holland to learn more about the floral industry. In 1985, he moved to San Antonio, Texas, to be closer to family.

After a variety of jobs ranging from construction to floral management, he founded his own company, Fleming’s Master Refinishers, which specializes in resurfacing bathtubs, sinks, countertops and more for both residential and multi-family units. A true entrepreneur, he was among the pioneers in this business in San Antonio.

In May of 1997, he met the love of his life, Erin K Amundsen on a blind date. He fell in love with Erin immediately, along with her 4-year old daughter, Charlotte. The three were inseparable. James and Erin married on June 20, 1998. Their second daughter, Gabriella, was born in 2000. He considered his greatest accomplishment to be a faithful, loving husband and father. Erin, Charlotte and Gabby made his dream of being a family man come true.

A man of many talents, James was a stranger to no one. He could relate to so many different facets of life. Whether it was helping the stranger on the side of the road, or offering advice to the younger generation, James loved being around people. Family was a priority – he savored the time spent with his siblings, nephews, nieces and in-laws. James never hesitated to make a phone call or send a quick text to family members to check in or to lend a hand to family or friends when needed. He had the gift of gab but was an even better listener and was curious about everyone’s individual story. An adventurer at heart, James loved floating on the Comal River and exploring the Texas Coast. He loved diving off the high dive at the pool or back-flipping off the side of a boat. He enjoyed being outdoors and riding his bike along the paths of San Antonio’s Salado Creek, the Mission Trail and more. He was a craftsman who loved working with wood, creating beautiful furniture and building things. He had an amazing gift for growing unusual plants and flowers. He loved animals and wanted to bring every stray dog home to take care of.

James bore his illness with courage and confidence in God’s plan for his life. Although ALS robs a person of many physical aspects, it never took away his love of family and friends, his wicked sense of humor, his devout Catholic faith or his zest for life.

James is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Kathryn Fleming, and his brother Edward Fleming.

James is survived by his wife, Erin K Fleming; and daughters, Charlotte Anne James and Gabriella Margaret Fleming. He is also survived by his siblings: Kathryn (Phil) Kovaric, Robert (Sheila) Fleming, PJ (Carol) Fleming, Daniel (Melissa) Fleming, and Thomas (Karen) Fleming; sister-in-law Christine (Fleming) Malawy; and “adopted brother” Neill (Lynn) Spitz.

In addition, he is survived by his in-laws, Jeri Amundsen (Arthur Feldman), and Kristin (Lisa) Amundsen, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The rosary will follow at 7:00 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary, 1101 McCullough Ave., San Antonio, Texas 78212.

The Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Church, 102 Lorenz Rd., San Antonio, Texas 78209. Father Kevin Shanahan will officiate.