James Robert Illgen

James was born on July 3rd, 1987, he came to Robert and Daneille on July 8, 1987. James' birth mother wanted to take him home, hold him, and then place him in a Christian Home. With the help of Christian Child help foundation, she viewed a list of potential adoptive parents and she chose the Illgens. Actually, she didn’t, God through her did. She was always remembered with respect and honor because of the choice she made, and for his whole life, James was told the story of the miraculous way he came to be an Illgen.

His paternal grandmother, Carline Illgen has passed away a couple years before he arrived, his other grandparents, Irvin Illgen, Harrison Sampson and LaNell Sampson have all gone on their reward as well. James’ one niece, Lillian Grace Reyna, has gone on to heaven preceding him as well passing at the tender age of 15 months. He is survived by his girlfriend Audra Wimmer; his parents, Robert and Daneille, his sister and her husband, Ryan and Rachel Reyna. James is uncle to three boys, RJ, Austin and Mason Reyna. He has 4 uncles, Bryan Illgen, Barry Sampson, Kelly Sampson, and Wes Sampson; he has three aunts, Pam Hillman, Mary Ann Dunn, and Rachelle Parker, all living in Texas. All these aunts, uncles and grandparents that have gone on before and those that are still here, welcomed and accepted James as no different from the day he literally arrived. He has 20 cousins, that in their early days spend many great holidays together. More than these, “blood” relatives”, many others unofficially adopted him along the way. Most honorable mentions are two families, Aunt Sue and Larry Reed, and Lance and Bonnie White.

James graduated from J. Frank Dobie High School in the Houston area. James couldn’t figure out what he wanted to do. His sophomore year he tried out and made the Golf Team, the next year he was a cheerleader and honor guard. His senior year, he tried out and made the football team. He graduated in 2006, and went on to Harding University, where he attended a few years.

James had many passions, but two stand out. He loved hunting and fishing. He was an expert duck caller, and even guided some hunters. He loved to fish and boat and was driving a boat at the age of 10.

There will be two services for James, first in Arizona where he lived for the past 5 years. The second in Corpus Christi Texas.

Arizona: Tempe Church of Christ, Tuesday, February 14, 2023, 6:30 – 8:00 pm, 2424 South Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ (reading, prayers, followed by memories and story sharing)

Texas: Kings Crossing Church of Christ, Saturday, February 18, 2023, visitation 10:00-11:00, service 11:00, 5901 Yorktown Boulevard, Corpus Christi, Tx 78414

James loved his niece who died at the age of 15 months from congenital heart conditions and a host of other health issues. To honor both James, and to help him honor his niece, the family asks in lieu of flowers, that a contribution be made to The Children’s Heart Foundation. www.childrensheartfoundation.org. In memory of James Robert Illgen and his love for his niece Lillian (lily) Grace Reyna.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AdvantageMelcherRoses.com for the Illgen family.