James Francis Haley Jr.

James Francis "Jim" Haley, Jr, passed away on March 26, 2025, in Austin, TX after a valiant battle with cancer. Born on September 30, 1953, in Erie, Pennsylvania, Jim lived a life defined by dedication to family, public service, deep faith, and unwavering commitment to justice and environmental stewardship. Jim was the oldest of five children and always strived to set an example for his siblings. Jim was raised in a military family who moved frequently both abroad and within the United States.

Jim attended over a dozen schools between kindergarten and 12th grade. After graduating from the Catholic Boys High School in Little Rock, AR in 1971, Jim moved to Austin to pursue higher education at the University of Texas, earning a bachelor’s degree in business in 1975. He continued his academic journey at the University of Texas School of Law, where he received his Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1979. These formative years laid the foundation for a long, distinguished legal career that leaves a lasting impact on the state of Texas.

Jim began his legal career in 1980 with the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC), where he served for 15 years. As Deputy Executive Director and lead attorney for the Executive Director, Jim supervised the Office of Legal Services & Compliance—guiding attorneys and field inspectors—and later led the Office of Waste Management & Pollution Cleanup. In this role, Jim oversaw permitting and enforcement programs as well as critical environmental remediation efforts including Superfund hazardous materials cleanups and petroleum storage tank remediations. His leadership helped shape policies that continue to protect Texas’ natural resources and public health. During his time at the TNRCC, Jim became a beloved mentor and leader to the attorneys he hired and supervised throughout his tenure.

Jim went on to continue his government work at the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) for several years, representing consumers on insurance-coverage and market-conduct issues. Due to his many years in state government, Jim was fortunate to retire from the state at a relatively young age and continue his work in private practice, focusing on Medicare fraud, among many other endeavors later in his life.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim had a deep love of music, with a special fondness towards the blues. This is part of what made Austin home to him in the 1970s. The local blues and rock-and-roll scenes were massively influential to him, as he loved to frequent the old clubs such as Antone’s and Armadillo World HQ as an avid fan of great guitar playing. As a guitarist himself, Jim carried this reverence of the blues with him, maintaining a special admiration for Stevie Ray Vaughan; Vaughan continuously inspired Jim, from the first time he heard him play until the end of his life.

As an outdoorsman, the natural environment of Texas was another reason Jim fell in love with central Texas. He could frequently be found in one of the many Texas state parks hiking or camping. Big Bend National Park was among his favorite places in the world. When asked towards the end of his life if there was anywhere in the world he wished he had visited, he only said that he wanted to rent a van and bum around the state, visiting every park Texas had to offer. Jim was always an advocate for environmental stewardship, finding solace in the beauty that the Texas Hill Country had to offer.

Jim was also deeply involved in community service. He served as Board President of Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT), reflecting his enduring commitment to interfaith dialogue and social justice. He later served as a volunteer attorney for Children’s Protective Services (CPS), acting as a court-appointed family attorney (CAFA), representing parents or children in child protection matters. He felt this was some of the most rewarding work he had ever done, and it gave him great personal satisfaction. Over the last few years, even while dealing with cancer, Jim continued to give back by volunteering for Meals on Wheels in the Austin and Kyle communities.

Above all else, Jim was most proud of his two sons, whom he cherished: Gabriel (27) and Joshua (25). Jim is lovingly remembered by them, as well as their mother Jennifer. Jim is also survived by his brother Kevin and spouse Kathy, his sister Karen, his sister Jean and spouse Lyle and their children, and his brother Bill and spouse Laura and their children. He also leaves behind numerous cousins in Erie, Pennsylvania, including Tim, with whom he was always close. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Ann Kennedy Haley and James Francis Haley, Sr.

Towards the end of his life when visited by a close friend in the hospital, she asked Jim what his prayers were. He first answered, “World peace without autocracy”. When asked for a more personal answer he replied, “For people to accept the beauty of the world without fighting over it”. When pressed again for a more personal prayer, Jim answered, without pause, “That I accept God’s invitation to the banquet. And I will. With prayerful help it will be good. I’m counting on that a lot. God has always said the banquet table is open.” Jim was faithful throughout his life, and selfless until his last breath. Jim Haley was a fantastic example of how to live a life in service of others, and how to exemplify the teachings of the Catholic faith.

A memorial service honoring Jim’s life will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 2pm at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, TX 78731. Light snacks will be served afterwards. An online streaming option will be available for those who cannot attend.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to his favorite non-profit iACT.