James Jim M. Cornelius

Prominent New Braunfels attorney, James M. Cornelius, passed away late Wednesday evening, after an eight year battle with Alzheimer's. He was born on September 24, 1933, in Houston, Texas. The Cornelius family moved to New Braunfels when Jim was around ten, due to doctor's recommendations for his asthma. Jim graduated from New Braunfels High School in 1951, where he played varsity football. He graduated with a BBA in 1955 from Texas State University (SWT) and received his LLB in 1965 from South Texas School of Law, Houston. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot from January 1956 to February 1959, attaining the rank of Captain,

In 1958 Jim married Sue Bryan, and they moved their family from Houston to his home town of New Braunfels in 1963, where they made a home, raised a family, and Jim began his fifty year law practice with his best friend, John Powell. Jim served as New Braunfels City Attorney from October 1972 to February 1974. He was also a long-standing member on the Boards of Directors of the (former) Guaranty State Bank and The New Braunfels Title Company. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and awarded a Silver Unicorn from NBISD, among other accolades and acknowledgments of his endeavors.

Jim was best known for the generosity of his love, help and time. He was the best problem solver and knew what to do in any situation. He loved New Braunfels and all its activities, including handing out Shiner Beer at the Comal County Fair. He knew almost everybody in town by name. Sometimes walking into Krause's or Pat's Place took 20 minutes because he had to stop and say hi to every person he knew, and some he didn't. He was friendly and personable and liked most everyone, unless you crossed someone he loved. He was honest and just and always willing to help people out of their legal problems (you know who you are). He was a great friend, Dad and Papa.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leon Cornelius and his mother, Queenie Cornelius, to whom he was a devoted caregiver; his youngest son , Allen Cornelius; his brother , Jerry Cornelius; his daughter-in-law, Dee Ann Cornelius, his great grandson, Isayah Silas and his dear friends Archie Ladshaw and Tom Ragusa. He is survived by his brother Bobby and sisters-in-law Viki Cornelius, Pat Cornelius and JoAnn Bryan, his children, Bryan Cornelius, Scott Cornelius and wife Mary, Cathy Cornelius and husband Agustin and his daughter-in-law Janet Cornelius and the mother of his children, Sue Cornelius Ragusa. “Pappa Jim” also leaves behind his adored grandchildren: Chelsea Cornelius, Paisley Cornelius, Karleigh Anton Cornelius, Cody Goodwin, Amanda Golla, John Michael Cornelius, Kyla Cornelius, Jeffrey Cornelius, Ember Cornelius, Susana Samos-Cornelius, his great grandson, Trystin Silas, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A special thanks goes out to Gloria Jung and John Powell. He loved you dearly and would've done the same for you if he'd had the chance. Visitation will be Sunday Evening, March 24th, from 5 until 9 at The Zoeller Funeral Home at 615 Landa Street. (Family will be present from 6-8.)

Services will be held on Monday, March 25th at 2:00, at the First Baptist Church at 733 Cross Street, with interment to follow at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park.