May 25, 1946 – February 20, 2022

My dad James Richard Suggs passed on from this earth today around 3:45pm. He had been dealing with Alzheimer’s the last few years. Started going down hill this morning and stopped breathing around 3:45pm. My mom was with him.

He touched many lives in his 75 years. Many of those who I grew up with might remember him from scouts, fishing trips, or as coach—be it soccer, track, baseball, softball, or basketball. He was sometimes stern and quick tempered but always supportive and was never afraid to fight for what was right or fair, especially on behalf of others. Most of all he was quick with a joke and enjoyed bringing joy to others.  We spent many an hour camping, hunting, racing R/C cars, building or repairing things, and exploring the world, however he was happiest on a fishing boat, and we built many memories out on the water of the Gulf of Mexico.

He was an Air Force veteran and spent two tours in Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos building bombs and rearming aircraft. There were some great stories of that experience he shared, some of them about hijinks (like the time he traded an officer pilot a case of scotch in return for a “personal” Jeep) and others about taking enemy fire (including almost getting blown up by rocket attacks).  Although he was proud of his service, he never sought credit, glory, or recognition. He did not talk about it much, but would oblige if you asked. When I would inquire as to why he did not highlight his service more, he would just say something akin to, “That was something I needed to go do, I did it, and when I was done I moved on to the next thing.” For him, patriotism was something you gave and honored, not something found on a lapel pin, bumper sticker, poster, or t-shirt.

My dad was always curious and a man of many skills and I did my best to learn from him by assisting with tasks and projects related to electrical, plumbing, mechanical, carpentry, woodwork, and automotive maintenance among others. I do not ever recall him hiring out any work needed done around the house.  He was the type of person who could completely disassemble something, figure out and repair the defect, and then reassemble everything… all without a manual.  It was so painful for all of us in recent years when this knowledge slipped away from him. I was happy to help and have him be my helper, but I would be lying if I did not say it hurt for both of us.

All in all, my dad was a great man and a wonderful role model for me and others. He was a good father to my sister and me and a good grandfather to his two grandsons.  Above all, he was a loving and supportive husband to my mother in their over 51 years of marriage together.  While I lost my dad and a great friend, she lost her best friend. My heart aches beyond compare and I miss him terribly, however it does not even touch how I am sure she feels.  Please keep her in your thoughts and reach out to her if you can. I know she would love to hear from you.

Hold on to your loved ones and be kind to one another. Written by Jason.

On February 20th I received the most earth-shattering news that my father, the most loving, caring, funny, smartest, loyal, protective man I knew, was put on a boat and guided by angels to heaven. I learned a lot from him.  He could fix almost everything and was so creative. The funniest also. We may not have always agreed or got along but I know he loved me. I will have legendary memories of him. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. I'm proud to say he was my father. Thank you everyone for your condolences. He loved the water. One of my first memories was fishing with dad. I love you forever and a day and will miss you dearly. Sorry if I haven't responded to calls, text, or messages. This is so hard.  Written by Jessica.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James LaVern Suggs and Ellen Suggs, and a brother Kenneth Noble Suggs formerly from Bishop, Texas and two nephews, Seth Everett Suggs and Travis Wade Suggs formerly from Portland, Texas.

James is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patricia Suggs; his son, Jason Trevor Suggs and his wife Cassandra Jo Suggs and their son Trevor K. Suggs of Austin, Texas and his daughter Jessica E. Suggs and her son Aidan James Suggs of League City, Texas. He is also survived by his aunt, Barbara Hubert (husband Pat Hubert) of San Leon, Texas; his sister Beth Kartrude (husband Tom Kartrude) of Boerne, Texas; his brother Lawrence Suggs (wife Debbie Suggs) of Portland, Texas; many nieces and nephews.