James Michael Mena

James Michael Mena was born in McAllen, TX, and lived in Alamo, TX, all his life. He attended school in Alamo and graduated from PSJA Memorial High School in 2010. To his family, he was lovingly known as "Mikey".

James was the youngest of four children, and was such a blessed addition to his family. He was an energetic, bubbly, happy, child, and would brighten a room with his huge smile and laughter. James picked up skateboarding at a very young age, and it quickly became one of his favorite activities. For many years, he spent his days going to skate parks where he perfected skills and tricks. Some of his skate park buddies described him as a legend to the San Juan Skate Park.

James also loved music. In middle school, he joined the school band and played in the percussion section. In his early teen years, he taught himself to play guitar, and spent many hours a day with his guitar and playing drums, as well as jamming with one of his cousins. James was also the best babysitter to his niece and nephew who loved spending time with their uncle. He entertained them with his guitar, building forts, playing video games, as well as skate boarding with his nephew.

Thanksgiving was James' favorite holiday, because he loved spending time with family and with his cousins who described him as being a "prankster". Most importantly, he loved the menu with lots of food that he enjoyed.

In his life, James came to know and love God. He spent a lot of time discussing God and the Bible with his grandmother whom he loved dearly. Eventually, he made the decision to get baptized. James had a heart that was kind, gentle, and caring, and found joy in helping a friend in need. There was not a stray cat he would not feed. It is important to mention that James' greatest love of his life was his mother. From

the time he was a tiny boy, he always made sure to hug, kiss, and tell his mother that he loved her. James is deeply loved by all of his family and friends. He will be forever missed.

He is survived by his mother, Suzie Mena of Alamo, TX; sister Kimberly Echavarria(Michael) of San Juan, TX; sister Kathleen Mena (Charlie Garcia) of McAllen, TX; brother Kristopher Randall Mena of Alamo, TX; nephew Kenneth Echavarria; and nieces, Kameryn Echavarria and Quinn Garcia. He is preceded in death by maternal grandmother Rosa Molina, and maternal grandfather Jose Angel Molina.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at Funeraria Del Angel, Chapel of Remembrance at 1:00 pm. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangelmission.com for the Mena family.