James Worley Bryan

James Worley Bryan, born on January 7, 1956, in Houston, Texas to W.O Bryan and Betty Bryan, passed away on June 14, 2025. He grew up in the Langwood neighborhood and attended Scarborough High School. Although his childhood held its share of challenges, James carved out a life of grit, mischief, and resilience. He discovered the value of hard work early—swinging hammers beside his grandfather and learning plumbing from his father.

Skilled with his hands and sharp in mind, James built a successful painting and remodeling business from the ground up. If he didn't know how to do something, he taught himself. Every project bore his perfectionist signature—meticulous, unhurried, and precise. Later, his love for animals inspired him to open a boarding and grooming business, which thrived until it was forced to close during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For over three decades, James served as Facilities Manager at Trafton Academy, where he became a quiet cornerstone of the community. He would work weekends, holidays, and late nights, treating each task—no matter how humble—as a contribution to something greater. He took fierce pride in the projects he led, and he deeply valued the camaraderie of the teachers and staff, whom he called "his people."

Fifteen years ago, James was diagnosed with pheochromocytoma, a rare and relentless condition. It never slowed him. He labored through treatment and surgeries with quiet grit, unwilling to let illness define him. His resilience was nothing short of legendary.

To those who knew him, James was a giver—of time, skill, heart, and humor. He'd drop everything to help a friend or family member, always saying, "I'll come take a look in a little bit." Whether fixing a broken pipe, a fence, or a day gone sideways, James showed up. He was dependable in a way the world rarely sees anymore. A gem, truly.

James was preceded in death by his parents, W.O. Bryan and Betty Bryan, and by his wife, Sylvia Bryan.

He is survived by his sister and best friend, Cheryl Franke (Ricky); brother, Donald Bryan; son, Matt Bryan; stepson, Pat Tatum (Darlene); girlfriend, Linda Barbour; granddaughters, Kelly and Jamie Tatum; niece, Rachel Franke; as well as cousins and extended family. And the beloved faculty and staff of Trafton Academy, where his impact endures.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to Dr. Camilo Jimenez and his team at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for their compassionate care.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, with a service at 10:00 AM at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home: 4525 Bissonnet Street, Bellaire, TX 77401. Interment will follow at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.

In lieu of customary remembrance, contributions may be directed to:

Dr. Camilo Jimenez for the purpose of advancing research on

Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma, at:

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

P.O. Box 4486

Houston, TX 77210-4486

Or online at mdanderson.org/gifts

Your generosity will help further the understanding and treatment of this rare disease that James faced with such courage.

To honor James, do what he would have done: lend a hand, show up, fix what you can, and love without condition.