Georgia Poulos James

Our family’s matriarch and beloved mother Georgia Poulos James passed away surrounded by her loved ones on August 28, 2023 having celebrated her 99th birthday on July 4th. If there ever was a “Yankee Doodle Dandy”, she was it. She loved sharing her birthday with America and enjoyed every minute of Independence Day with red, white, and blue decorations, birthday cakes, and fireworks in the evening.

Georgia was born at home in Texarkana, Texas to her parents Nick Peter Poulos and Audrey Kelley Poulos in 1924. A little more than a year later, her sister, Audrey Poulos (whom Georgia called her own “Baby Doll”) was born, soon followed by a third sibling, Mary Poulos Patterson.

Georgia’s father Nick immigrated from Greece through Ellis Island in 1905. Their Greek heritage, steeped in the old country’s customs and traditions was very important to the whole family. She realized a life-long dream by touring Greece, including her father’s small remote village, in 2008.

A dedicated student, she graduated from Texas High School in Texarkana Texas and was the first in her family to go to college. From the University of Texas at Austin, she earned a BBA in 1947 and MA in 1957---not a small feat for a woman in those days. Georgia was a member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority at UT, which she supported the rest of her life.

On September 4, 1948 she married Andy M James from Hillsboro and they moved to Austin after Andy was elected to the Texas House of Representatives.

Georgia became an AISD teacher of first and third graders for more than 20 years, so that she could spend summers with her children. Later she became a bookkeeper/accountant for more than 30 years. As recently as last year, she was still doing the family’s business and personal income taxes.

Georgia and Andy had a lifelong love affair with Austin and the University of Texas, especially the sports teams. For many years they attended home and away football games. She loved regaling family and friends with stories of bowl games and big wins for UT. The pair often attended UT basketball and baseball games cheering their beloved Longhorns.

In addition to Alpha Chi Omega sorority, she was a member of the State Officials Ladies Club, Austin Women’s Club, Exchange Club of Austin, St. Louis Catholic Church and St Theresa’s Catholic Church, and a Life Member of the Texas Ex-Students Association.

Georgia was preceded in death by her parents, Nick and Audrey Poulos, sisters Audrey and Mary, and her husband, Andy.

She is survived by her son Nicholas M James (wife Toni Luttrell) and daughter Maryanne James. Grandchildren are Nicholas M James Jr (wife Micki), Matthew James, Benjamin James; Kenneth Richey Jr. (wife Julie), and Christopher Richey (wife Michelle) and 7 great grandchildren—Mackenzie and Lily James, William, Caroline, and Adam Richey, and Mayleigh and Chloe Richey. She is also survived by three nephews, cousins, and loving and loyal friends.

Services will take place at Weed Corley Fish Funeral Home, 5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin, Texas 78731 (512) 452-8811 on Friday October 20th at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in her name be made to: Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin Texas 78731 (512) 342-4700 or St Theresa’s Catholic Church, 4311 Small Drive, Austin Texas 78731 (512) 451-7105.

We hope and pray all spelling, punctuation, and content are correct, or we will pay dearly in the Hereafter.