Louis Joseph James

Louis Joseph James (Little Lou) was born on September 9th, 1969, to the union of Louis Lee James Jr and Norma Jean Adams James. Little Lou started walking and talking sooner than most children. He was like a world wonder unless he was sleeping. However, as soon as his eyes popped open the challenge was on.

Lou in death is survived by his wife, Renee James, his daughter Iisha James, his stepson Jacob (Samantha and Isaiah) Gomez, his stepdaughter Jessica Gomez, his parents Louis and Norma James, his grandmother Viola W. Strait, his sister Cliffie “Cle” (Charlie) James-Sanders, his brother Ricky (Yvonne) Masters, his nephews Joseph Lee James and Ricky Masters Jr, his niece Jackie Masters, his uncles Larry (Mary) James, Jesse (Johnnie Mae) James, Harold Howard, Bobby Joe (Jenna) Johnson, Greg (Rena) Bonds, his aunts Viola (Paul) Cunningham, Henrietta Reason, Patricia Johnson, Viola Dickerson, and Faye Deal, his adopted son Henry Agular, his adopted daughter Thereza Wright-Morris, and a host of family, friends, and students.

When Lou was 5 years old, he accepted Christ and was baptized by the late Dr. H B Johnson Sr. at Mt. Olive Baptist church. At age 7, he and his family united with Friendship Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. James Brockington, where Lou developed his love for Jesus by serving in the youth department, Sunday school, and a vivacious youth choir: and where he married the late Elaine Vega. After graduating from Sul Ross State University, upon his return to El Paso, Texas his family untied with Community Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Milton Walker, where he sang in the choir, and developed his prayer life from Rev. and Evangelist Walker.

Lou attended Edgemere Elementary and Mesa Vista Elementary, followed by Hillcrest Middle School, and graduated from Bel Air High School with a 3.6 GPA. Lou received The Highlander award for best school pride, campus behavior, kindness, popularity, and for his respectful behavior. He made All-District and All-City in football, and he still holds the 2-5 A record in the discus (166ft). Furthering his education, Lou attended The University of Texas at El Paso to play football. Due to an injury, Lou had to end his football career, and transferred to Sul Ross State University, where he obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Science with a GPA of 3.8 and made the Dean’s List. Which in turn, he used to help him become a teacher and coach. Lou taught and coached at Parkland High School for 16 years. During his time at Parkland, he was a father figure to many. He made an impact on hundreds of students and coworker’s lives, and he was also known for his superior track record. Coach Little Lou had won 8 straight consecutive District Championships in Track and Field. After his retirement in 2009, he returned to his old stomping grounds of Bel Air High School, to coach his daughter and her friends in Track and Field.

In 2005, Lou became a single parent after the passing of Elaine Vega James. He had to be a mother and a father to Iisha. Although it was never easy, Lou found a way to make his baby girl happy. Before Lou’s passing, he got to see Iisha graduate from The University of Texas At El Paso, with a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences. He went on to watch Iisha become a teacher, a coach, and a dog mom of four. He got to see his legacy be passed down to the new Coach James.

In 2017, Lou met Renee on Facebook, while talking about the Dallas Cowboys. Three months into the relationship they talked about marriage, but Lou was diagnosed with cancer for the first time. Instead of leaving, Renee stayed by his side and helped nurse him back to good health. Lou helped Renee discover her love for fishing. They would go on fishing adventures at all times of the day, through rain, wind, or the cold. In 2022, when Lou was diagnosed with cancer again, they decided to tie the knot. On July 16th, 2022, they exchanged hands in marriage. They were inseparable until the end.

Lou was active in everyone’s lives. He was able to see his nephew’s dream come true. Joseph Lee and his band KnowSuffer, got signed by a record company in New York City, on May 25th, 2021. Lou got to see Jacob become an amazing father and husband to Samantha and Isaiah, and he got to see Jessie become a beautiful young lady. He got to see all his ex-students become amazing individuals.

Lou enjoyed fishing, cooking/grilling, spending time with his family and friends, and watching football. He made everyone laugh. He was always the center of attention. Everyone who met Lou loved him. He was always cracking jokes and making sure everyone was happy. Despite being sick, he fought a long fight, and never gave up. Although we are saddened by Lou’s passing, we know that he is rejoicing with the Lord and is somewhere in heaven on a lake fishing.

Psalm 23:4

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.