James Wayne Godwin of Austin, Texas passed away on December 13, 2024 at the age of 64. He was surrounded by his wife, daughters, and forever friends that he called family at the time of his passing. He was born in Austin, Texas to Ronald and Carol Godwin and raised in Dripping Springs, Texas along with his sister Sheri.
While growing up he spent summers working with the family construction company. He spent summers and more helping his Grannie on the ranch. He graduated from Dripping Springs High School in 1979. At the time, he left behind a football record with the second-most tackles in school history. If there is a football field in heaven, we are pretty sure he is working to make it the most tackles in school history.
He attended Southwest Texas State University for a bit. It was more of a drive-by as he realized that college and the cost were not for him. He worked in the offshore oil field for a while and eventually had a 30-year career as a Tractor Trailer Driver at FedEx before retiring in 2020. He and his wife, Faye, were able to enjoy a few road trips after his retirement. James got to stop and read historical markers, and Faye got to visit antique stores. Something old for both of them.
He worked hard his entire life. He illustrated to his children, Jamie and Caitlin, what work ethic and loyalty mean. He provided for their activities and their college educations, even when it meant he couldn’t have a brand new truck. James had more friends than one obituary can mention, many from childhood. He loved to tell stories about his friends. He really loved telling the same stories over and over again.
James is preceded in death by his parents, Carol and Ronald Godwin. He is survived by his wife, Faye, and their two daughters, Jamie and Caitlin. He is also survived by his sister, Sheri Godwin of North Carolina, his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Edward and Victoria Allen, and many nieces and nephews.
His family would like to thank Brookdale Beckett Meadows for the care and compassion they showed James in his final months, and St. David’s South Austin Medical Center for the care and compassion they showed James in his final days.
A visitation for James will be held Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral H, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749. A funeral service will occur Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749. A graveside service will occur Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, TX 78749.
