James Francis Stuffler

James was blessed to have 60 yrs on this earth, but It wasn’t nearly enough. I feel robbed of the time we will never have but am thankful for the 54 yrs of memories I do have with him. During his life, James was a cherished son, a spoiled grandson, a nephew to loving aunts & uncles, a sibling, an uncle to two nephews and a friend to everyone he met.

James was born in Los Angeles, California to John & Helen Stuffler in October 1963. He was the first child to turn this couple into a family. James enjoyed the spotlight for 6 years until his first of two sisters arrived. Ann joined the family in November 1969 via adoption and then Katy’s arrival in March 1972 rounded it up to a family of 5.

James was a typical kid, full of energy and a knack for annoying his younger sisters. He had many talents growing up. He was involved in the Indian Guides & Boy Scouts, played the accordion (actually fairly well) & was rarely seen in the backyard without a football in his hand throwing it up in the air & running to catch it. I can still remember his impromptu concerts in the living room and pretty sure I was hit by one or two footballs in the head accidentally on purpose. In High school he graduated to the Tuba and did Marching Band at Downey High School.

James loved all things sports…baseball, football, hockey, basketball…. If you knew only ONE thing about James you knew he was passionate about his California teams the Angels, the Dodgers, the LA Kings, The USC trojans and the Downy Vikings (his alma mater). However, his greatest love was for his Pittsburg Steelers. James was also a collector of memorabilia of these teams. He amassed quite a collection. Over the years he went to countless games, even traveling to Pittsburgh a few times to cheer on his favorite team. I swear, half his wardrobe was black & yellow with the Steelers logo. When he moved to Texas in 2020, I tried to convert him to an Astros fan but think that halo was on a little too tight and he held steadfast to his Angel roots! I bought him an Astros jersey, but when took him to an Angels / Astros game he proudly wore his Angels jersey and quietly “booed” when the Astros would score. He was a loyal fan till the end.

James loved Downey Viking Football and went to the games as often as he could, especially when they were playing their rivals, Warren High. Even when he moved to Texas, he made it back for his High School reunion and a game. He enjoyed catching up with his old schoolmates of 40+ years.

James was in a horrific car accident about 10 years ago. By the grace of God, he survived. But that accident did do some damage. He had several broken ribs, lacerated spleen, a traumatic brain injury and was in the hospital for weeks. The accident left James with a brain aneurysm as well. James went through 2 years of physical therapy and was able to resume a life as close to normal as possible.

In 2020 right at the start of Covid, James moved to Texas to be closer to his two sisters and parents. He bought a house near his sisters and settled into becoming a Texan. He enjoyed getting to know Texas and explored Galveston, The Space Center, the Texas prison museum and could often be found at the local hangouts listening to concerts. He loved live music! He also found a local Knights of Columbus council and quickly integrated himself into his new brotherhood. It was an amazing group of men who welcomed him (and me) with open arms.

In 2022 James suffered a stroke making it no longer possible to live on his own. We found him an amazing assisted living facility that wasn’t too far from family. He relied on the assistance of a walker, and wheelchairs sometimes, but could still go out and do fun things with the assistance from his sisters. He quickly became a favorite of all the caregivers and went out of his way to joke with the girls. He was just about to celebrate two years at his assisted living home.

The morning of September 20th, we ran out of borrowed time. I had just seen James the day before. I’d taken him to run errands and to get a haircut & shave. We joked, enjoyed our time together and had lunch. Nothing out of our ordinary times together, but fate just chose this morning, this time to steal our brother away. That saying, “Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed” hits a little harder now.

James didn’t always have it easy, but he never complained and always had a smile on his face. When he was in his car accident, he never questioned “why me” or used it as an excuse. When asked how he was doing, he would flash that crooked smile and give his signature “thumbs up”. When he had his stroke, again, when visiting him at the rehab, he would give us the “thumbs up” that he was doing okay. I don’t know if James really comprehended what it meant to have a brain aneurysm. I would get so frustrated with him for not taking better care of himself or changing his diet. But regardless of what he truly understood, James chose to not let it rule his life. Looking back, I’m so glad he did. He didn’t live in fear of it – he just chose to live and do the things that made him happy. He went to all those football games. He took trips to see the Steelers in Pittsburgh with friends. He took a cruise to the Caribbean with my sister. He went to the movies. He enjoyed a cold beer & live music as often as he could. He lived a life of service through the Knights of Columbus. He went to church. He went to his High School Reunion. He helped others in need. He ate pizza and fried foods. He ate that second helping of dessert. He simply did what made him happy. Life is short and if he’s taught me nothing else, it’s to live your life and do what makes you happy.

James is survived by: His mother, Helen Stuffler, His sister, Ann Catron (Husband Chad Catron) and nephews, Eric Osoba & Christopher Osoba & bonus nephew Chad Wesley Catron, and His sister, Kathleen Stuffler.

Rest in Peace James and thank you for just being a wonderful human being. You made the world a better place. We love and Miss you!

A memorial service for James will be held Friday, October 25, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home & Cemetery, 18000 Interstate 45 S, The Woodlands, TX 77384, with a reception to follow immediately after service, along with an inurnment at 1:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please enjoy a slice of pizza, a cold beverage & cheer on the Pittsburg Steelers in his memory!