Roll Call Tribute

Charles Cecil James 

August 6, 1970 - May 9, 2024 

Charles Cecil James of Katy, Texas, began his journey into eternal rest on May 9, 2024, with his friend and wife, Leticia, at his side, surrounded with the love and prayers of many who care for them both.

To encompass the spirit of a man like Charles is a great, but necessary, task. Charles was a man of strength, passion, love and conviction, all of which he lived without measure. A man of many facets and complexities, these all perfectly knitted together to make the whole and glorious person who was Charles C. James.

Born in Houston, Texas, on August 6, 1970, to Carl Eugene James and Priscilla Elaine James, he was the third of four sons to the family. They moved to Katy, Texas, in time for him to attend Katy Jr. High; he graduated from Katy High School as part of the Class of 1988. During this time in Katy, he met the two people who would become his longest, lifelong friends; who responded to his ideology and convictions; and who were able to challenge him yet also understand the person he was. These relationships greatly impacted and formed his life.

It was in the Fall of 1985 when Charles met Leticia, who would become his best friend and, eventually, the love of his life. These were two souls, managing through life on their own, that became stronger as they grew together. These two singular people grew into one, a balance to each other, connected through respect, love, and faith, on which they created their unique life and family.

Beginning in 1988, Charles attended Texas A&M University and was in Squadron 4 (“Phoenix 4”) of A&M’s Corps of Cadets. He formed lifetime friendships with his fish buddies, chatting live on Facebook on game weekends about how the football or baseball teams were doing. All his fish buddies appreciated his positive attitude, big, compassionate heart, and his aversion to bad food and high temperatures.

Charles was able to fulfill his desire to serve in the armed forces in 2007 when he joined the U.S. Army Reserves Aviation. During his time in service, he was called for duty and was attached with the 8-229th Aviation Regiment based out of Fort Knox, Kentucky. He deployed with that unit for Operation Iraqi Freedom as an Apache attack helicopter Crew Chief, which was used to provide protection for our service members in theatre. Once again, Charles formed strong bonds with the brothers he served with and kept them close to his heart.

Always one with a “roadmap,” Charles returned to school and graduated from the University of Houston with a degree of Bachelor of Science Political Science in 2009. While on deployment, Charles remotely attended the George Bush School of Government and Public Service, Texas A&M University, and received a certificate in Advanced International Affairs in 2010; a certificate in Nonprofit Management in 2011; and, lastly, a certificate in Homeland Security in 2011. He then relocated to San Antonio, Texas, to attend the St. Mary’s University School of Law and, in 2015, graduated with a degree of Doctor of Jurisprudence.

Charles always had a heart for service, as evidence throughout his life. His desire to help others, especially those with struggles, motivated him to be present for all in need. He accepted everyone and yet remained steadfast in his values, especially his Catholic faith, while never imposing it onto others. His was always one of invitation.

Aside from his Heavenly Father, Charles’ greatest loves were for his wife, Leticia Gutierrez James, of 26 years, and their children, Araceli, Natalie, Alex, Brittany and Zachry. This family was one brought together by Divine Providence, and each one uniquely added to the beautiful blend of the James Family, of which Charles was intensely devoted and proud.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents and is also survived by his brothers, David (Jennifer), John, and Paul; nephews and nieces; and an immeasurable number of friends that span his lifetime.

Such a presence as his, Charles leaves a tangible void in the lives of his loved ones; let that void be filled with memories of his generous laughter, illuminated by his brilliant smile, and filled with the overwhelming love he shared with you.