Kenneth Lee James

Kenneth Lee James began his heavenly journey on November 11, 2020. He fought valiantly over the last several years to overcome health challenges and we are beyond grateful for all of the time we had with him. I could write a book with many chapters about my beloved husband and what a great man he was. Writing these final words is something I never wanted to do.

Ken was born in Austin, Texas on June 8,1959. He was the youngest son of Menora James and Imogene (Jean) James Hass. He graduated from McCallum High School in 1977.

Ken had two older brothers, Jesse James and Dennis James and they were very close and loved each other very much. One of their fondest memories is during one of their brotherly fights, Dennis closed Ken in between a locked screen door and the wooden front door of the house. Ken often told me that story and every time I heard it, I laughed picturing this little boy stuck in between two doors. The brothers loved playing in the backyard, climbing trees, and playing on top of the garage. They loved pranking their sweet Mama, often hiding behind the hedges until they could jump out and scare her. One of their go-to pranks was putting a rubber snake in her bed or other places to scare their Mom. She would run away and the brothers would laugh at the success of their prank! Ken was blessed to have such great brothers. They have so many fond memories of him and Ken knew he was loved by Jesse and Dennis.

Ken had three children with Debbie Carey Combs. His oldest son, Dustin James, passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2015 at the age of 34. Ken loved telling stories about his hunting and fishing trips with Dustin. Dustin was an Aggie graduate, the husband of Dawn James and father of son, Cade James.

Ken's youngest son, Branden James, has this fond memory of his Dad: "Most of my memories I have of him are of my teenage years because that is when we spent most of our quality time and I have some beautiful memories. Most notable are the memories of him being a part of my speed skating career. He always supported me and encouraged me to be better at my competition." Ken had a special bond with Branden and loved him very much.

Ken's daughter, Kellie Rae James Warmath, also an Aggie graduate, has worked tirelessly in various endeavors of giving including working at Make-A-Wish in Oklahoma and now as a Director with NAMI. Ken loved her beyond words.

Ken’s nieces have these great memories of their Uncle:

We will all never forget our Uncle Ken helping teach us how to play poker or dominoes with Mema. We could always count on him to make us laugh when he would scare or tease Mema and watch her threaten him with the dreaded bottom-whopper. It is always so much fun to hear stories about the James boys growing up and tormenting each other as only brothers can do. The young Uncle Ken stories hold a special place in our history of the best bedtime stories. ~Meghan, Ashley, Kristen and Rebekah James.

Ken's sister-in-law, Beth (Dennis) tells the story of how Ken, Jesse and Dennis taught all of the James girls (Meghan, Ashley, Kristin, and Rebekah) how to play poker! She has fond memories of Christmas at Mema JJ's House surrounded by family and delicious food. She recalls fondly how Ken used to prank his Mom and she would fall for it every time. What great memories!

Ken's sister-in-law, Patti Lee (Jesse) has a sweet memory that totally shows what kind of man Ken was. She fondly recalls, "Ken was a super special guy. When I met him for the first time 35 years ago, he welcomed me with open arms into the family. He never called me sister-in-law - always introduced me as a sister. He loved his Mother and his brothers, he loved his children to the moon and back. I will always be grateful for the memories of the great poker games that he and Mema JJ and Jesse and I would play. This world will be a different place without him, this family will be forever changed, but we all know that Ken is in heaven looking down on us all protecting us and loving us from the other side of the rainbow."

My story with Ken began in November of 2000. I had 20 glorious years with him. He was truly an angel sent by God at a time when God knew I needed someone in my life. I was a single Mom with two sons and not sure what life was going to bring my way. Ken and I found each other online - yes, seriously. Long before match.com there was LOVE@aol. Ken had an ad and when I read what he wrote, I thought he sounded like a really nice man. Our blind date took place a short time later. Ken showed up to my house dressed in a starched white shirt, starched jeans, and his cowboy boots - his signature outfit. His white Ford pickup was freshly washed. He escorted me to the truck, opened the door, and on the front seat was a single red rose. We were together from that day forward.

Ken was the most loving, giving man and always was full of surprises for me. We lived, laughed, and loved so much during these 20 years. He became the Father to my sons that they needed - no questions asked. He loved my sons immeasurably as he did me. Our oldest son, Jason Brown, said he will remember Ken in this way, "He was laid back, always brought me food, and was really good to you, Mom." Our youngest son, Joshua Brown, describes Ken as, "Always motivated by unconditional love. Everyone around him felt at home. Ken was pure of heart and lit up any room. A noble man, his inspiration will live on inside all of us. He taught me what a good man and a strong man really is. I am so much better because of you. I am not your blood but I swear to you, that you will always live on through me. Always."

As I said at the beginning of this obituary, I could write chapters and chapters. I never wanted to write the conclusion of how the story ends. But, if I had to write it, it would say that the love of my life died in my arms, at our home, where we shared twenty years together. What better ending could there be for a love story that was no accident. God had His plans for us to meet. I am blessed beyond words to have had such a wonderful life with my soulmate and the man who will always be my best friend. I will miss him dearly and will one day be reunited with him.

Ken was preceded in death by his Mom and Dad, Menora James and Imogene James Hass and his son, Dustin James.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Brown James.

Also surviving Ken are his children, Branden James, (Ashley), Kellie James Warmath (Jake), along with grandson Cade James (Dustin and Dawn).

Additionally, Ken is survived by his brothers, Jesse James (Patti Lee), Dennis James (Beth); nieces, Meghan James, Ashley James Lavin (Kyle), Kristin James Murphy (Michael) and Rebekah James, Amy Hartzell (Ben) and Jill Holmes (Jake), cousin, MIke Barrett (Mary).

Ken is also survived by our sons, Jason Brown, and Joshua Brown (Lauren) whom he raised as his own; and our loving Goddaughter, Juliette Carolina Pierro.

Ken will be missed by his many friends in Austin and from the McCallum Class of 1977. Ken was loved by so many friends in San Antonio and I am grateful to all of them for loving him.

Our favorite song was, "Keeper of the Stars" by Tracy Bird. Our favorite line was, "I tip my hat to the Keeper of the Stars. He sure knew what he was doing when he joined these two hearts. I hold everything, when I hold you in my arms. I have all I'll ever need thanks to the Keeper of the Stars."

I will love you forever my sweetheart. Save a place for me.

Your loving wife,

Mary