James Calvin Borders

James Calvin Borders

Austin - James Calvin Borders was born on November 5, 1949 in Austin, Texas and passed away on November 29, 2019 after a brief illness in Austin, Texas. James was born the second child of MW and Pansy Borders. He grew up in north Austin where he was an honors student at Lanier High School. He played French Horn in the Viking Band and served as Band President, as well as being on Student Council. After graduating from high school in 1967, James briefly attended the University of Texas before training in plumbing. His life's work was plumbing whether working in the field, owning and operating his own business, or working for several plumbing supply companies. Until the end of his life, he made his annual trek to the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners with his good friend, Roy Tobin, for extension of their Master Plumber licenses.

James cut his teeth on outdoor sports in the Texas Hill Country at his grandparents' ranch. He enjoyed his summers there with his siblings and cousins on Lake LBJ. On August 12, 1972, Andy and Mary Newton set up a blind date with Mary's Sister, Renee Weigelt in Giddings. Weigelt fishing trips followed by Lone Star and dominoes in the evening were right up his alley. Five years after that blind date, James and Renee were married at First Presbyterian Church in Giddings. After their marriage, the family was completed with the birth of two sons, first Jared Cole, and then Jacob Cain, affectionately known as the JCBs. James was an avid outdoorsman and taught his love of hunting to both sons. He loved the calm of a deer blind in the fall and preferred that over other social gatherings. But as outdoor simplicity and family events converged, many celebrations were held at the deer lease.

When his sons became involved in baseball and soccer, James volunteered with University Hills Optimist Club. As his work hours became regular, he enjoyed coaching Jared and Jacob's teams where the family established many life-long friendships. He was recognized in 1997 in the Greater Austin Sports Foundation and inducted into the Austin Sports Hall of Honor for Outstanding Contribution to Youth Sports in Austin. James continued his service in youth sports as Capitol Area Youth Soccer Association opened a location in Manor. He loved the outdoor work of building and maintaining the soccer fields and volunteering in many facets on tournament days. In 2014 James was inducted into the South Texas Youth Soccer Association Hall of Fame in recognition and appreciation of outstanding service and dedication to youth soccer.

He served on the CAYSA Board as Vice President of Facilities for many years and was involved in day-to-day volunteer upkeep of the facility until the time of his death.

James was known as a man of few words. But when he spoke, everyone listened. Over the years he acquired the nickname "Grumpy". James was not a grumpy man, but he had little time for BS and would prefer that one get to the point. He was so loved by the CAYSA family that they named their pond "Grumpy's Pond".

James was preceded in death by his parents, his older sister, Rosa Haverland, and his unofficially adopted son, Don Pruitt.

James is survived by his wife of 42 years, Renee, his sons, Jared and Jacob, his sister, PJ (Ken) Fritsche, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends.

An outdoor Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 11 A. M. at CAYSA located at 15317 US-290, Manor, Texas 78653. Gathering size limitations and travel concerns during COVID-19 have prevented the family from honoring James until this time. The family hopes to reminisce with James' friends and family as we honor him.

For those so inclined, James would be honored should you support the homeless in his name by sending a donation to Mobile Loaves and Fishes, address: 9301 Hog Eye Road, Suite 950, Austin, TX 78724 Attn: Tracee Henneke