James "Jim" Edward Auchey

Jim graduated from New Oxford High School in Pennsylvania in 1956. He then joined the United States Air Force serving his country with honor for 20 years, before retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant. He then worked for St. Edward’s University in Austin for Five years earning his bachelor's degree in liberal arts. He moved on to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) where he moved up in various positions. He became a liaison between TxDOT and the Texas legislature as Legislative Coordinator. He served the state for 20 years.

Jim married the love of his life, Mary (Jean) Wilkes in Austin Texas on June 15th, 1958. Their life together started in Austin with many moves in the military that included Guam, Louisiana, and Virginia as well as Texas. They welcomed four children throughout their years (1 son and 3 daughters). Jim and Jean began marriage enrichment classes in 2003, mentoring many young marriages in success in a Godly marriage. He served as a Deacon in many churches, most recently Hays Hills Baptist Church. He loved sports so much including Golf and watching Baseball and basketball but especially the Texas Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Claude Auchey and Erma Auchey Schotz; brothers Donald Auchey and Ronald Auchey; and by his precious Son, James Edward Auchey Jr.

Jim is survived by his bride Jean of 65 years; his daughters whom he loved unconditionally: Laura Reardon (Rick), Kathey Henley, and Michele Riffee (Evan); as well as by adopted children Peter Oala and Andrew Tooram from Uganda.

Jim is also survived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he took great pride in: grandchildren Stephanie Sherry (Alex), Amy, Jennifer, Calista, Trinity, and Eden; great-grandchildren Ryan, Justin, Abigail, Halli, and Stephen; ex-son-in-law, Dennis Henley; his brother who passed Ronald and wife (Bonnie); siblings Larry Auchey (Fanny), Vicki Miller (Chuck), Richard Auchey (Julie), Clair Auchey (Debbie), Dave Auchey (Kathy), Cindy Thomas (John) and Steven Auchey (Sharon); as well as by numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nephews and Nieces. The love is large and wide in this family.

Serving as pallbearers are Rick Reardon, Evan Riffee, Dennis Henley, Alexander Sherry, Ryan Lopez, Justin Lopez, Stephen Sherry, and Allen Crozier.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 25th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas 78749.

A private interment will take place at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park.

Friends and family are invited to a memorial service celebrating Jim's life on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Hays Hills Baptist Church, 1401 N Farm to Market 1626, Buda, Texas 78610.

Any flowers/plants should go to Hays Hills Baptist Church for Memorial Service on February 10th.

Or, in lieu of flowers, a donation to Village of Hope P. O. Box 670394, Dallas, Texas 75367, USA. ​Hope Children's Village (Orphanage).

“Go forth, Do good and God bless”, Love Jim