James Patrick Warkentine

James was the loving son and best friend to his parents, James D. Warkentine and Lilia Warkentine, of San Antonio - both of which he shared countless conversations, jokes and smiles with every single day of his life. His daily, and often legendary, phone calls were not only a source of constant joy to both, but so were his boyish phone messages, which prompted at the very least a giggle and at most a riotous snort. He will always lovingly remain their big little boy through the memories stored in their heart and heads, as well as the laughs he forced everyone to endure whether they were in the mood or not.

They, as well as James’s older sisters, Alethea and Jennifer, will forever continue to see James everywhere. Designer shoes. Triple size clothing. Leftovers. Silly grins on his nephew’s faces. Random acts of generosity. He was, and always will be, those things and so much more.

He is survived by his parents and his older sisters, Alethea Keen (Donald) and Jennifer Lowery (Wayne Jr.), and his nephews (Garrett James, Patrick Shay, and Samuel Alan) and nieces (Rowan Celestina, Aubrey Jordan, Riley Elizabeth, and Charlotte Grayson)- all of whom Uncle James laughed with and took time to foster meaningful relationships with through snow cones, sleep overs and time. His love for them was transparent and real, an ever-present mainstay at their concerts, plays, and ballet recitals and occasionally, even a partner in crime in their latest adventure. James is also survived by his girlfriend and love, Amanda Castro, with whom he always had by his side.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Jacob and Martha Warkentine, and Dionicio and Alicia Gonzalez.

Those who knew James, even but a little, lost a dear friend and fierce advocate with his passing. He was the first to comfort you. The first to offer a hand, an ear, and pitch in - especially in the face of a Herculean task. He did it all with fervor and grace, never complaining and often the last to leave - unless it involved moving, which due to his size, he got roped into doing countless times!

Although still young at the time of his passing, his list of accomplishments were extensive. He obtained two master degrees, co-authored an academic publication, and was recently, after much study and careful planning, venturing into new pursuits. But, James was more than book smart.

He had a poet’s soul, who not only moved others by his words, but also by the way in which he viewed life and faced meaningful tasks. His goals were high. His humility profound.

He found solace in music, learned how to play several instruments, and never missed a concert.

He was a well-trained thinker who ruminated on philosophical works and debated politics - fiercely. He was an animal advocate that loved his dear pets just as fiercely.

Lastly, James lifted heavy things everyday with Samson like strength and boundless personal discipline. He pounded the pavement to the gym everyday whether he wanted to or not. Like Batman, he never missed leg day.

But, today, we as a family, must do our own kind of heavy lifting. We now face the Herculean task of holding onto the past, and moving into a new kind of future without him. It seems nearly impossible. So, with heavy hearts, we lay our deep and profound sorrow at the passing of our beloved James at the foot of our Savior - the endless comforter, the I AM, and ultimate heavenly father. It is with Him that even the unimaginable, such as this, is possible. “Neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

James knew these truths about our God, when he as a little boy invited Christ into his heart and life. He was baptized on February, 1991, and rededicated his life to Christ in 1997. It is because of this and only this “that it is well with our souls”; for we know today is not a goodbye but “we will see you in heaven”.

Viewing and visitation will be Friday, July 9, 2021 @ Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX. from 6-8:00 PM.

The Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Churchill Baptist Church, 12400 Vista View Street, San Antonio, TX.