James Robert Souza January

In the early hours of Saturday, February 19, 2011, the life of James Robert Souza January was suddenly cut short in a tragic car accident.

James was born on 8/8/81 in Williston, North Dakota to Maria Elaine Souza January and Walter B January III. He spent his earliest years moving with his parents to numerous places around the world, such as Houston, Paris, Peru, and Venezuela. His later childhood was spent in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he ended up being a star football player in high school. As a senior in high school, James moved to Austin and attended Westwood High, where he became a starting football player (a rarity for a transfer student) and ended up winning the Coaches' Dream Team Player of the Year award.

James went on to earn a BA degree in Business from Angelo State University and then went to work for Dell Computers and later, National Instruments. He quickly realized that a desk job was not for him, and went back to school at Texas A&M to pursue a degree in Construction Management. At the time of his death, he was only 2 1/2 months away from achieving that goal.

James was passionate about many things. He loved his family, his many friends, his dogs, his truck, fishing, hunting, football, country music, and the Alabama Crimson Tide. James was a macho kind of guy, but beneath that tough exterior, he was a loving and caring young man. He will be tremendously missed by the many folks who loved him.

James was predeceased by his father and grandfather. He is survived by his mother, Maria of Houston, his grandmother, Dorothy January of Austin, uncle Larry January of Houston, aunt and uncle, Sue January and Wayne Chambliss of Austin, cousins Clayton Chambliss and Tony Chambliss both of Austin, and numerous beloved family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 25, 2011 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel.