James Jackson Birnbaum

We lost our precious J.J. on April 15, 2012, when his car veered off of a winding road as he returned home to Austin. James Jackson Birnbaum, age 26, was a much-loved son, grandson, brother, uncle, and friend, and we are devastated by our sudden loss. J.J. was wise beyond his years and able to converse in great depth about any topic. Whether it was politics, sports, music, or life in general, J.J. had a well-formulated point of view that he shared to the amusement of all around him. He was extremely close to his mother, Becky, and sister, Skylerr, cared deeply for Birny, his dad, and was especially tender to his Granny. There is no better uncle than J.J. was to his three-year-old niece, Kenna—to her, he hung the moon in every sky.

An accomplished musician, J.J. had broad and diverse musical interests, ranging from classical to 60's rock-and-roll to blues guitar to worldly avant-garde sounds. Fans of KVRX will remember his stint as a DJ specializing in extreme music. He never missed a Dallas Cowboys game, although the team frustrated him to no end. Disc golf was his favorite sport. J.J. cherished his daily nature walks with his beloved dog, Shiva.

Born in Austin on January 30, 1986, J.J. attended Casis Elementary, Kealing Middle School, and graduated in 2004 from the Liberal Arts and Science Academy at LBJ High School, where he excelled in math and science. In 2010, he graduated from St. Edwards University with a Bachelor's degree in Business. At the time of his death, J.J. was working as a freelance writer for Yahoo while he pursued greater plans for his future.

J.J. is survived by his mother, Becky Jackson of Austin; father, Birny Birnbaum, sisters, Skylerr Jackson Birnbaum, Reeta Ricks, Beth Delis, and Summer Wood; niece, Kenna Skylerr Tuck; grandmother, Jean Jackson; honorary aunts, Jackie Gilbert and Suzanne Whatley, and many close friends.

A Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 21 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel, St. Edwards University.