Barbara Lorraine Siska James

Barbara Lorraine Siska James, born on April 17, 1934, passed away peacefully on December 19, 2025, at the age of 91. A resident of Austin, Texas, Barbara was an inspirational, selfless, and kind-hearted woman, cherished by all who knew her. Her life was marked by loyalty, patience, wisdom, and thoughtfulness, making her a beloved figure in her community.

Barbara attended Catholic schools in New York City, which laid the foundation for her lifelong devotion to her faith. She married Raymond James on October 9, 1954, and became a dedicated military wife when Raymond joined the US Air Force as a pilot in 1955. Together, they had seven children, and Barbara devoted her life to caring for her large family. In 1977, after years of moving from place to place, Barbara and Ray settled in Austin, Texas. As a devoted Catholic, she was an active member of St. Theresa of Lisieux Catholic Church. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy.

Barbara had a passion for music, singing as a soprano in the choir and participating in many stage productions at St. Theresa's. Her gentle and compassionate nature led her to volunteer in various capacities throughout her life. She spent many years caring for babies in the neonatal unit at Seton, working with orphanages, and supporting her husband's deacon duties at St. Theresa's in premarital counseling and Marriage Encounter programs. Barbara also opened her home to unwed mothers, offering them a place to stay until they could get back on their feet.

Barbara is survived by her children: Ginamarie Morris (Kenneth) of Amarillo, TX, Vicky De Rosa (Marc) of Meza, AZ, Lorrie Wolf (Rob) of Corona, CA, Ginger Barron (James) of Hilton Head Island, SC, Celeste Robinson (Rob) of Austin, TX, and Ray James III (Heather) of Cedar Park, TX. She leaves behind 11 grandchildren: Steven, Shauna, Michelle, Sarah, Audrey, Laura, Mariah-Rose, Hadley, Ryan, Morgan, Reese, and a great-grandson, William. She was predeceased by her husband Raymond James, daughter Christy, parents Dorthea Cook and Rudolph Siska, and cousin Patricia O'Donnell.

A visitation will be held on January 7, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78752. A rosary will follow from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the same location. The funeral mass will be celebrated on January 8, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Theresa of Lisieux Catholic Church, 4311 Small Dr, Austin, TX 78731.

Barbara Lorraine Siska James will be remembered as a devoted, compassionate, and hard-working woman who touched the lives of many with her gentle spirit and unwavering faith.