James T Harris

December 21, 1961 – December 25, 2025

There are souls who arrive in this world already carrying light, and when they leave, that light does not disappear—it simply changes form. James T. Harris was one of those souls. He passed from this life on December 25, 2025, surrounded by love, at the age of 64—gone far too soon, yet having given more love in his lifetime than many give in a century.

James was a man who loved deeply, sincerely, and without reservation. He was the most devoted and adoring husband to his wife, Maricela, and the most loyal, proud, and loving father to his sons, Jake (wife Victoria) and Matthew (fiancée Maddy). His family was his greatest joy and his proudest accomplishment. He spoke of them constantly, his love for them woven into every conversation, every smile, and every plan for the future. James was the cornerstone of his family, their steady presence, their safe place, their home.

He is reunited in eternal peace with his cherished parents, Charles (Poppie) and LaVan (Vanna) Harris of Austin, TX, his grandparents, David and Rubye Roe of Teague, TX, and J.T. and Gladys Harris of Andrews, TX, and many other loved ones who went before him.

He is survived by his wife, Maricela of Austin, TX; their sons, Jake (wife Victoria) of Round Rock, TX, and Matthew (fiancée Maddy) of Liberty Hill, TX; and his brother, Chuck (wife Carrie) of Palestine, TX. He is also survived by his sister, Susan of Pflugerville, TX; his nephews, Kyle of Palestine, TX, and J.D. (wife Amber) of Austin, TX; his niece, Marisha Alford of Medina, TX and two great-nephews, Jaylen and Eric Alford of Medina, TX; and many cousins, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were forever changed by his presence.

James was a teacher, a mentor, and a gifted healer who knew early in life that physical therapy was his calling. In 2004, he co-founded Austin Manual Therapy Associates, fulfilling a lifelong dream of owning his own clinic. Even more meaningful was seeing another dream realized—working alongside his family in the clinic he loved so dearly. To James, physical therapy was never just a profession; it was a healing art. His patients often spoke of the power of his healing touch and the deeply compassionate care he brought to each session. Healing, through James, extended beyond the body and mind and reached the heart with intuitive grace.

He was admired by many and honored with numerous awards, yet remained profoundly humble, always deflecting attention. Of all his accomplishments, one of his greatest sources of pride was pitching for the University of Texas Longhorns baseball team and being a part of the 1983 College World Series National Championship team. A Longhorn to the core, James bled burnt orange and found great joy in watching UT football and baseball, forever connected to the team and the game he loved.

James was also known for giving the very best and endearing hugs—because they came straight from the heart. He was attentive, kind, and intentional in caring for others. He was also unapologetically himself, endearingly human in his habits—locking the car three times, being intentionally verbose or loquacious, and rotating through favorite snack indulgences. Every beautiful strength and every small peculiarity made him who he was, and made him all the more beloved.

One of the greatest sorrows of losing James is losing the very person who would be doing everything in his power to comfort everyone else through this loss. An enduring light has left this world, but in its place remains a legacy of love, belief, healing, and connection that will ripple through generations. His impact cannot be measured, only felt.

To know James was to witness grace in action. He moved through the world with a heart of gold and a rare, intuitive warmth, making everyone he met feel profoundly seen and deeply loved. His presence left an indelible mark on our souls, rooted in a spiritual compassion that turned ordinary moments into sacred reminders of our own worth. Those fortunate enough to know him would tell you there was no one who believed in them more; even when someone could not believe in themselves, James believed enough for both. Through his infectious humor and his ability to find light in any shadow, he lived with a generous spirit that mended hearts as much as minds. James leaves behind a legacy of unwavering belief and a warmth that continues to guide all who were touched by his light.

As we gather to remember James, we do not say goodbye—we say thank you. Thank you for the love you gave so freely, the faith you had in all of us, and the way you taught us to heal, to believe, and to love more fully.

“Do not pity the dead. Pity the living, and, above all, those who live without love.”

There is no one who lived with more love than James Harris. His spirit endures, his love remains, and his light will continue to guide us until we meet again.

Rest in eternal peace, James/Dad/little brother/dear friend you will forever be our guiding light.

A Celebration of Life honoring James will be held on

January 9, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

at Cook-Walden / Capital Parks Funeral Home

14501 North IH-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660