James "Ernie" Taliaferro

James “Ernie” Taliaferro took his final bow on July 26, 2025, at the age of 67, surrounded by family, music, and enough love to light up the Austin skyline. He exited this world the way he lived in it — with soul, laughter, and impeccable timing — as I’ll Fly Away played softly in the background. And fly away he did — we’re pretty sure he’s already organizing a heavenly game of Rook and telling a story that ends with everyone in stitches.

Born in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, and raised in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Ernie made his way to Austin, Texas, where he spent all his good years — and made all of ours better. He served as the House Director for both Kappa Alpha and Kappa Sigma fraternities at the University of Texas for over 30 years, becoming something of a legend in West Campus — part guardian angel, part life coach, part honorary pledge. He was lovingly known as the West Campus Dog Whisperer, because he could befriend any four-legged creature with a glance and a snack.

Off campus, Ernie was a passionate actor and eternal thespian — the stage was his sanctuary, his heartbeat, his spotlight. Whether it was Shakespeare or a weirdly compelling local commercial, he poured his whole soul into every performance.

Ernie loved the beach, soul music, and animals. He was also a master of the well-timed one-liner, a connoisseur of dirty jokes, and a believer in people's best selves. If you knew him, you were better for it.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years and partner-in-life-and-laughs, Donna Taliaferro; his daughter, the extraordinarily talented Elizabeth Freedom Taliaferro; and his younger siblings Deana Giles and Allen Taliaferro, who still aren’t quite sure how he always had the best hand.

Ernie didn’t just live — he performed life. He loved loudly, laughed often, and left every room brighter than he found it. And now he’s left this room, too — but not without leaving a trail of stories, memories, and probably a few missing lighters.

Crank up some Etta James, scratch a dog behind the ears, and laugh a little louder in his honor.

Streaming Service for James "Ernie" Taliaferro