JAMES GARZA
1949-2017
James Garza passed away on June 13, 2017 surrounded and embraced by family.
James was born on July 11, 1949 in Texas City, Texas to Eustolia Garza and the late Abel Garza. He was raised in a loving home with his siblings Carlos, Abel Jr., and the late Susan Garza-DeLao. The second oldest child, he spent his early years building his trademark people skills, making good grades, excelling in athletics, and achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
Soon after graduating from Texas City High School, James navigated many changes. He was drafted into the Vietnam War, serving in the Army as a reconnaissance photographer, a role underpinning his skill at photography. After being honorably discharged with multiple medals, he started a family in Houston, raising three children—John, Jennifer, and Jason—with his first wife, Gloria Ramirez Garza. Following several years of both working and studying full-time (19-hour days, as James recounted them), he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Houston and, afterward, a Juris Doctor degree from Texas Southern University.
Professionally, James was a force. A Houston Chronicle employee for 23 years, he succeeded everywhere from the engraving room to the boardroom, a testament to his discipline, acumen, and amicability. After marrying his second wife, Gloria C.C. Garza, and welcoming his fourth child, Edward, he transitioned to a career as a courtroom attorney, earning a strong reputation in criminal defense, family law, and workers’ compensation law, among others. He continued this work passionately for the rest of his life, helping thousands along the way.
James was the life of the party. He remained a sports aficionado, too, boasting a trove of baseball knowledge and, at the age of 67, a singledigit handicap in golf. He will be remembered as compassionate, strong, and sharp—a man who always knew when to listen and what to say.
James is survived by: his mother Eustolia; his wife Gloria C.C. Garza; his sons John (Tammy), Jason, and Edward; his daughter Jennifer (Allen); his older brother Carlos (Sylvia); his younger brother Abel Jr.; and numerous other relatives and friends.
A visitation will be held on June 19 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Earthman Resthaven Funeral Home, with a rosary at 7:00 (13102 North Freeway, Houston, TX, 77060). Services will be held on the 20th, starting with a 10:00 A.M. mass at St. Christopher Catholic Church (8150 Park Place Blvd., Houston, TX, 77017) followed by an interment at Earthman Resthaven.
In lieu of flowers, donations in James’s memory and name may be made to Gus Wortham Golf Course, where he was a frequent patron and supporter. To donate, please go to http://bit.ly/garzamemorial.