James Clyde Austin

Brother James Clyde Austin was born to the union of Alma Pearl Austin and CC Austin. His birth took place in the City of Refugio, Texas. It is a small city which is located near Corpus Christie, Texas.
At any rate, James birth took place on the historic day of January 17, 1943. He had three (3) other siblings who were all girls. At times, this presented a challenge for James. He had to always adjust to having his delightful sisters present.
Nonetheless, James was able to matriculate through both his elementary grades and high school. In the springtime of 1963, he was extremely excited. James received his diploma from the famous Refugio High School..
In addition, we must say something else significant about James' life and legacy. He had a wonderful religious up bring. His loving parents saw to that. As a result of his parents influence and guidance, James came to a saving knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ, at an early age. His personal relationship with Jesus Christ impacted his entire life beyond measure. It helped him to become a loving husband, father and grandfather. His grandchildren called him Papa.
However, in 1964, James had another life changing event. This event occurred in his late teenage years. He was drafted in the United States Army. Consequently, he accepted the challenge of being a proud soldier. He accepted his orders from the Army to come to boot camp and train for combat. After he completed this training, James fought side by side and shoulder to shoulder with his fellow soldiers on the battlefields of Vietnam. In the process, he came to understand that freedom is not free. We have to constantly fight for it on the battlefield; and here in this nation that we call America.
Moreover, in spite of his experience in Vietnam, James came to love being in our United States Army. To prove this point, he served twenty-two (22) years wearing the Army uniform. He made his family proud of his military accomplishments. Brother James Clyde Austin was a highly decorated noncommissioned officer. During his distinguished military career, James received the Army Service Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, three (3) Bronze Service Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, two (2) Overseas Service Bars, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Gallantry Cross with Unit Citations, the Palm/Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.
In February 28, 1987, James had another life changing experience. He made the difficult decision to retire from service to our great nation. He was honorably discharged.
But, immediately after retiring from the Army, James became an outstanding employee for Fuji Film Company here in metro Denver, Colorado. He worked there from 1987 unti1 2007. Nonetheless, as an employee for the Fuji Film Company, he learned to make and develop high quality photo and pretty pictures. James used this experience to take pictures of his family and friends on what we called the journey of life.
Moreover, we make this important note about Brother James Clyde Austin. He enjoyed life and live it to the fullest. He always had an exciting time going to catch fish. When he finished fishing, James shared his catch with his lovely wife, Euna, family and friends. In addition, besides fishing, he watched all sports on his home television center. He was known for being die hard Dallas Cowboy fan. And, when he and his family traveled over the world, James let everyone know the Dallas Boys was his number one sports team. Also, besides sports, he was mechanically inclined. Brother James, in short, loved to work with his hands. Therefore, he would take his electronic devices apart and put them back together.
Over the last year or so, we noticed James physical health began to change. He became extremely ill. However, being the man that he was, James tried to hide his illness from his family. Though retired from the Army, he was always at heart the military man. You see, the military man does not talk about being sick or being tired. Rather the true military man takes his condition in stride.
Therefore, in spite of his illness, Brother James Clyde Austin did his best to remain cool and calm. He just did not want his family to worry unnecessarily about him. Consequently, James continued to entertain his family by showing them how much he loved them.
Finally, God knew what was best for Brother James. God knew that he was tired of being tired. God made a decision which was best for Brother James Clyde Austin. On Saturday morning, September 7, 2013, God send a heavenly host of angels to take James home to glory.

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