James Craig Held

James was born on January 16, 1968 and grew up in Houston, Texas, attending Robert E. Lee High School where he participated in the Amigos de las Americas program. Following high school, he moved to Colorado to pursue his studies at the University of Colorado, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies in 1991. James followed his passion to serve in the Peace Corp in the Dominican Republic, working on infrastructure projects, from 1992 until 1995. Once completed, he returned to Colorado and subsequently earned dual degrees of Master of Business Administration and Master of Science in Information Technology at the University of Colorado in 2001. James then embarked on a career in Information Technology, most recently, serving nine years as Senior Database Architect at Orlando Utilities Commission until he retired due to illness in 2021. Throughout his professional career, James was praised by his peers for his ability to manage complex database systems and for his positive attitude toward solving complicated technical problems.

James was a dedicated father to his two boys, John Charles and William Andrew. He was a great sports enthusiast, encouraging his own children’s athletic pursuits as well as mentoring other children’s athletic development.

James is predeceased by his father, John Charles Held, of Houston, Texas. He is survived by his two sons, John Charles Held and William Andrew Held, both of Windermere, Florida; his mother, Jo Ann Harrill Held, of Houston, Texas; his brother, John Charles Held, of Denver, Colorado; his sister, Julie Held Moorhead and her husband John Cary Moorhead, of Houston, Texas; his brother, Jeffrey Andrew Held and wife Fran Held of Denver, Colorado; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

James was grateful for all of the doctors and other healthcare professionals, both in Florida and at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, and to all the wonderful caregivers who spent countless hours watching over him, and to his family and friends, for all of their expertise, support, and love.

Charitable donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to—

The Broach Foundation for Brain Cancer Research

2726 Bissonnet Street,

Suite 240-602

Houston, Texas 77005

online at www.Thebroachfoundation.org

or

Small Steps Nurturing Center at www.ssnc.org