James Edward Huckaby

Jim was born on August 2, 1935, in Coupland, Texas, to James R. and Ruby Leonora Huckaby. He grew up in Fort Stockton, Texas, where he excelled on the football field and graduated from Fort Stockton High School. He went on to attend the University of Texas, earning a degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1958.

Following graduation, Jim began his professional career with Mobil Oil in Venezuela, where he worked for 18 months before returning to the United States. He also owned a Mobil service station in Fort Stockton, back in the days when gasoline sold for just 19 cents a gallon — a story worth remembering!

Never one to shy away from a new endeavor, Jim returned to college at Texas Tech University, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1966, followed by a degree in Accounting in 1967. He became a Certified Public Accountant, beginning a long and successful career in a profession he would practice for the remainder of his working life.

In 1956, Jim married the love of his life, Clara Jo Ratliff. Their love story began with an adventurous elopement to Mexico, followed by their marriage in Fort Stockton. Together, they shared more than 70 years of marriage, building a life rich in family, friendship, laughter, and love.

In 1970, Jim and Clara Jo moved their family to Austin, Texas, where Jim established his accounting practice. They settled into a neighborhood alongside several longtime West Texas friends, many of whom remained neighbors for decades. Those friendships, rooted in their West Texas beginnings, became an enduring part of their lives.

While Jim took his profession seriously, he never took himself too seriously. He had a wonderful zest for life, an easy way with people, and a gift for making friends wherever he went. He enjoyed dressing sharply for an evening out and was always ready for good company and conversation. Jim also loved a little gambling, whether in Las Vegas or wherever else fortune might beckon. He won some, lost more, and never seemed to lose his enthusiasm for trying his luck.

Jim had a particular affection for Mexico, its people, its language, and especially its music. An enthusiastic admirer of mariachi music and traditional Mexican songs, he was known to burst into song at any given moment, often singing beloved old tunes from memory. His attempts to speak Spanish were part of his charm, and his enthusiasm was never diminished by the occasional linguistic challenge.

An avid fisherman, Jim treasured time spent on the water, particularly with his brother-in-law and beloved fishing companion, Rusty Ratliff. He also had a soft spot for dogs, with Rosie and Gracie holding especially dear places in his heart.

Above all, Jim loved people. He cultivated friendships that lasted a lifetime and had a remarkable ability to make those around him feel welcome. His warmth, humor, spontaneous songs, and genuine enjoyment of life will be remembered by the many people fortunate enough to have known him.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of more than 70 years, Clara Jo Huckaby; his daughter, Melanie Huckaby Fain of Welfare, Texas; his son, Neal Huckaby, and his wife, Elaine, of Dripping Springs, Texas; and his grandchildren, Ford Huckaby of Dripping Springs and Bella and Morgan Huckaby of Austin, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Huckaby, father of Bella and Morgan.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 16, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas, with a reception to follow at 4:00 p.m.

Jim lived a full life, filled with adventure, hard work, loyal friendships, and a deep love for his family. Though his voice may be quiet now, those who knew him will surely hear an old Mexican melody from time to time and smile, remembering the man who was always ready to sing.