Denise Elaine James

Denise James was born on December 21, 1960, to Elizabeth Elaine Flowers and Ralph Lehman. From the very beginning, Denise held a special place in her family’s heart as the first grandchild. She grew up in the San Antonio and Helotes area, surrounded by family and the people who would become the foundation of her life.

While attending John Marshall High School, Denise met the love of her life, Milt James Jr. What began as a young love would become a beautiful 49-year journey together. Denise and Milt married on June 1, 1977, and began building a life filled with love, adventure, family, and faith. As a young Navy wife, Denise embraced the many places life took them, traveling from state to state and making a home wherever Milt’s service led them.

Their greatest adventures, however, were yet to come. Denise and Milt welcomed their first daughter, Lisa Marie, and two years later, their second daughter, Sherry Lynn. Once their girls were born, they settled in Helotes so they could be close to family, and Milt ended his military career to be with his family full time. Denise poured her heart into being a wife and mother, creating a home where her family always knew they were loved, welcomed, and cared for.

Denise had a gift for making a house feel like home. She was an incredible cook and loved nothing more than gathering her family

around the table. Holidays, Sunday dinners, and family get-togethers were some of her happiest moments. Her kitchen was a place of love, laughter, stories, and, of course, plenty of food. Feeding people was one of the ways Denise showed love. It was her love language.

If you walked into Denise’s home, you were going to be fed. And if you told her you weren’t hungry, she probably wasn’t going to believe you.

But more than the meals she prepared, it was the love behind them that people will remember. Nothing made Denise happier than having her daughters, grandchildren, and loved ones gathered around her. She treasured those moments, and her family will forever treasure the memories made around her table.

Denise later found her place working with numbers and spent years working for various tax firms. But her greatest work was always the love she gave to the people around her.

After Denise and Milt both retired, they made their way to Rockport to live out their retirement dream. It was there that Denise truly seemed to blossom. She found a new joy in life, formed beautiful friendships, became part of her community, and embraced each day with a renewed sense of purpose.

Most importantly, Denise and Milt found their church home at Church Unlimited. Her faith became an important and beautiful part of her life. Denise loved spending Sundays serving the Lord and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She especially loved volunteering with the children’s ministries. She also became active in women’s Bible study, where she found fellowship,

encouragement, and friendships that became very dear to her.

Denise’s servant’s heart extended beyond the church. She served as the treasurer for Christmas on the Beach, a local nonprofit, and enjoyed giving her time to others. She loved her Bunco group, her book club friends, and the gatherings with her neighbors. She had a way of making people feel comfortable and cared for. She didn’t simply meet people—she made connections, built friendships, and made people feel like they belonged.

Denise loved people. She loved her family fiercely. She loved her friends deeply. And she loved her Lord faithfully. For 49 years, Milt was by her side through all of life’s seasons—the adventures, the moves, raising their daughters, watching their family grow, retirement, and the quiet everyday moments that become the most precious memories. Their love was a beautiful example of commitment, companionship, and a life shared together.

After a long, courageous battle with cancer, Denise peacefully went home to be with the Lord and our Savior on October 3, 2026, surrounded by her immediate family.

Denise leaves behind a family who will miss her more than words can express.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Milt James; her daughter, Lisa Annis, and her children, Tristan and Amanda, along with six bonus grandchildren, Markus, Justin, Ashley, Cheyenne, Cody, and Josh; her daughter, Sherry James, and her husband, Brandon, and their two children, Courtny and Cade, and bonus grandson Corbin; her mother, Elaine Flowers; her sister, Darla Purcell, and her husband, Dennis; and her brother, Mel, and his wife, Kerry. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones who were blessed to know her.

Denise was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Lehman; her grandparents, H.C. and Dorothy Wade; her son-in-law, Donnie Annis; her father- and mother-in-law, Milt Sr. and Nona; her sister-in-law, Carol; and her beloved aunts, Sharon, Linda, and Pat; along with other cherished loved ones.

While our hearts are broken by the loss of Denise, we find comfort in knowing that she is no longer hurting and is now home with her Lord. We can imagine her being welcomed into heaven by those who went before her, surrounded by the love of her Savior. Her family will miss her laughter. They will miss her cooking and the way she always made sure everyone had enough to eat. They will miss her phone calls, her stories, her hugs, her friendship, and the simple comfort of knowing she was there.But most of all, they will miss the love she gave so freely.

Denise’s life was a gift. She loved her family, served others, opened her home, nurtured friendships, and walked faithfully with God.

She leaves behind more than memories—she leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through her children, grandchildren, family, friends, and everyone whose life she touched.

Her chair may be empty. Her kitchen may be a little quieter. Family gatherings will never feel quite the same.

But the love Denise gave will remain.

And one day, because of the love she had in Christ, her family can hold onto the promise that they will see her again. Until then, Denise, rest peacefully in the arms of your Savior. You were deeply loved, you will be deeply missed, and you will never be forgotten.