James Alvin Noake

If you ever had the privilege of knowing James Alvin Noake—“Grandpa Jim” to those who loved him—you knew a man who moved through the world with quiet steadiness, gentle humor, and a heart that always made room for others. On Saturday, March 7, 2026, after a short illness, Jim passed peacefully, the same way he lived: without fuss, without fear, and surrounded by love.

Jim’s story began in San Antonio, Texas, on June 10, 1942. He was born to Joseph Alvin Noake and Lucille Campbell Noake and grew up in a home where faith and responsibility were woven into daily life. As a young man, he was baptized and confirmed in the Episcopal Church and served as an acolyte throughout high school—duties he carried out with the quiet reliability that would define him for the rest of his life.

After graduating from Jefferson High School in San Antonio, Jim attended Texas A&M University, Class of ’64. He earned his Civil Engineering degree as a member of the Corps of Cadets Company G-1, and during his junior and senior years he was selected for the Ross Volunteers and an honor that reflected his character long before he realized how far life would take him.

In the summer of 1964, Jim joined Brown & Root, beginning a career that would take him across the world. London, the Middle East, Perth, New Zealand, and Jakarta were among the places he lived and worked. When he left Brown & Root in the early 80’s, he continued consulting in pipeline project management. In 1990, working with OPI, he opened offices in Bahrain and later in Jakarta, Indonesia, and contributed to additional projects in Pendik, Turkey.

Jim collected passport stamps the way some people collect stories. He didn’t simply visit these places—he experienced them fully, learning from the cultures and people he encountered. When he returned home, he shared those experiences the same way he shared everything else in life: quietly, gratefully, and without boastfulness. Along the way, he made lifelong friendships through his work and travels.

The greatest chapter of Jim’s life began in 1989 on South Padre Island, where a blind date introduced him to Sharon Wardlow Jackson. What began as a chance meeting grew into a 36-year partnership filled with travel, a blended family, and a love that deepened with every passing year. Together they built a life that stretched across continents and generations.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Larissa Yohana Noake, her husband Shannon Halbrook, and their daughter Frances of Austin; and his niece, Julie Striekert Bender and her husband Blaise of San Antonio. Jim was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara “Sis” Noake Striekert; her husband, Roy Robert Striekert; and his niece, Linda Anne Striekert.

He also became an anchor in the lives of Sharon’s sons, Forrest L. Jackson Jr. and his wife Kim Ruggles, and Ray Jackson and his wife Leesa Shelley. Over years of shared travel, holidays, and everyday moments, Jim became far more than a stepfather. He became a steady presence, a guide, and someone they could always count on.

His influence lives on in grandchildren Payton, Karly, and Forrest III Jackson; Jordan and Cullen Jackson; and Michael Spagnola, Brandan Shelley, and Tyler Shelley.

Those who knew Jim will remember the way he listened—truly listened. They will remember his calm logic in difficult moments and the quiet confidence he brought into any room. He was never loud, but he was strong; never flashy, but unforgettable. Jim loved deeply, traveled widely, and lived life to the fullest. He had a special love for Texas A&M football and took great joy in watching his grandchildren play sports over the years. He also loved golf and was fortunate enough to win the lottery for tickets to the Masters Tournament. When he wasn’t on the golf course, he could often be found birdwatching—an interest he knew so well that he seemed to know the name of every bird he saw.

Jim’s story is not defined simply by the places he went to or the titles he earned. It lives in the people he loved the family he helped build, and the quiet, steady way he showed up for those around him. His life was a long journey—across oceans, across decades, and across generations—and he leaves behind a legacy of kindness, loyalty, and love that will continue to guide the people fortunate enough to call him theirs.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on April 19, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home in Houston, Texas. Family and friends are invited to gather, remember, and honor the remarkable man he was.

We are deeply grateful for every prayer, message, memory, and gesture of kindness shared during this time. Jim touched many lives with his gentle spirit and steady presence, and knowing how loved he was and has brought us great comfort. Thank you for holding him—and our family—in your heart.

In lieu of flowers the family invites you to donate to the following organizations:

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 315 E. Pecan St., San Antonio, TX US 78205

Audubon Society, 3908 Avenue B, Austin, TX 78751, [email protected].

The Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Texas A&M University, 1400 TAMU, Sanders Corps of Cadets Center, College Station, TX, 77843