James Michael Gannon, 65, of Corpus Christi, Texas, lost a courageous 10-year battle with cancer. God, in His mercy, witnessing his pain opened the heavenly gates and welcomed him into His loving embrace to be reunited with his heavenly family in paradise and bring him rest. His profound faith in Jesus Christ sustained him through every season of life and illness, giving him courage, peace, and purpose.
James was born on May 15, 1960, to Patrick Michael and Elida Gannon in Corpus Christi. He graduated from Foy H. Moody High School in 1979, where he played for the Moody Magic baseball team and became a well-recognized athlete. During the 1978-1979 season, he helped lead the team to its first-ever state playoff appearance. In 2018, James was inducted into the Moody High School Baseball Hall of Fame, a prestigious honor he cherished deeply.
After high school, James enlisted in the United States Navy in June 1979 and proudly served his country for six years aboard the naval ship USS Concord AFS-5. He continued his love of baseball while in the Navy, playing with his naval team.
James married the love of his life, Jo Anna Paz Gannon, on June 18, 1988. Together they welcomed two children and built a life rooted in faith, loyalty, and laughter. Throughout their 38 years of marriage, James often told friends and family that he was the luckiest man alive to have married Jo Anna. Their love was a masterclass in commitment, a beautiful journey marked by countless acts of kindness and love. He loved her with his whole heart, making it known every day that she was his everything.
James retired in March 2024 after 36 years of dedicated service with Valero at the Bill Greehey Refinery. He was an avid fisherman and loved to hunt. On his many outings, James and his buddies shared countless laughs and a few that turned into legendary stories. He was a devoted Houston Astros fan and proudly collected signed Astros memorabilia. Above all, he was extremely proud to hold the title of “Papa” to his five grandchildren. He loved taking them fishing, to the beach, and anywhere else he could—spending every moment he could making memories with them, despite his ongoing pain.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Patrick and Elida Gannon; his maternal grandparents, Sebastian and Consuelo Solis Herrera; his paternal grandparents, John Gannon and James and Dolores Villegas-Westfall; his parents-in-law, Jose and Irma Paz; his brother-in-law, Mike Garza; his nephews, Jonathan Aleman, Joseph Hook, and Omar Garza; and a special family member, Richie De La Garza.
He is survived by his wife, Jo Anna Paz Gannon; his son, James Michael Gannon II; his daughter, Kirsten Elizabeth Gannon-Cevallos (Matthew); and his grandchildren, McKenzie Jade Cevallos, McKayla Jo Cevallos, Sebastian Angel Cevallos, McKenna Jane Cevallos, and Gunner James Gannon. He is also survived by his sisters, Jane Garza; Nancy Garza (Fermin); Mildred Vasquez
(Greg Shadrock); Patricia Perez (John); and Judy Gutierrez (Rick), Brother & Sister In Law; Eddie & Diane Salazar, Tony & Rose Ann Garcia, Rey & Terry Gonzales, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A very special thank you to his clinical team at MD Anderson, his VA physician, Dr. Belinda Gonzalez, and New Century Hospice for treating James with the utmost respect and care.
Visitation will be held at Funeraria Del Angel, 4091 Everhart Rd., Corpus Christi, TX, on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with the Holy Rosary beginning promptly at 6:00 pm. A second visitation will take place on Monday, May 4, 2026, from 8:30 am to 10:30 am. A religious ceremony will follow at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 5830 Williams Drive, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. A Committal Service with Military Honors will be held at 1:00 pm at Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery, 9974 I-37, Corpus Christi, TX.
Having the distinguished honor to serve as pallbearers are: Joseph Aleman, Kelsey Salazar, Jacob Garza, Aaron Vasquez, Michael Garza, Jared Perez.
