James Settles Estrada

James Settles Estrada passed away on January 5, 2025, in Spring, Texas, at the age of 85. Born in San Antonio, Texas, James graduated from St. Mary's University on a music scholarship and ROTC. He married Rita Clay during his college years. Following graduation, James served in the Army-Artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, before returning to San Antonio and later settling in Houston to raise his family.

James is survived by a loving family: his first wife, Rita Clay; children Rebecca Estrada (Craig Schofer), Rita Heine, Marissa Estrada (Bear Marks), and Clay Estrada; grandchildren Meagan Farrow (Johnston), Ian Holt, Johannes Heine, Indigo Heine, Elena Heine, Matthew Fainter, and Stefan Allen (Courtney); nephew Doug Pashoian (Margaret); niece Gina Minassian (Jano); and great-grandchildren Ella and Benjamin Solomon, Lucas and Stryker Fainter, and Norah Allen. He was preceded in death by his second wife, Graciela Garcia; his parents, Jesse and Rebecca Estrada; sister Mary Louise Estrada Pashoian; and son-in-law Uwe Heine.

James was a dedicated entrepreneur known for his unwavering salesmanship who "never stopped selling". Outside of work, he found joy in golf, jazz music (both playing and listening), and exploring a variety of cuisines at restaurants ranging from dives to fine dining establishments. His keen interest in politics led him to meet his beloved wife, Graciela, in 1988. Throughout his life, James was renowned for his sense of humor, always ready with a good joke and a contagious laugh.