James Edward Austin was born on March 7, 1942, in Corpus Christi, Texas to James Lou Austin and Adella Florence Booker. He was the first child from this union. As a child he loved to play outside, especially basketball. So much that he would get in trouble by his Granny for always getting his clothes dirty. He loved to drink chocolate malts which eventually gave him the nickname “Malt”. His grandchildren and great- grandchildren also gave him nicknames: “Bopp, Dadad, Popit and Gramps.” He graduated from Kemp High School in May of 1961 and missed a basketball scholarship to Prairie View A&M by 2 points. In 1967, while working as a cook at a Juke Joint named Coney Island, he met his wife Sharon and won her over with his Pork Chop and Chicken sandwiches. They eventually married on November 24, 1972, in Belle Fourche, South Dakota. In this marriage and after trying for 10 years they gave birth to Jamie Ann Kerrick (Austin) who was going to be named James if she was a boy. He worked as a Cab Driver, Cook, Meat Cutter, Bail Bondsman, Security Officer and eventually retired early from Coors after 25 years due to his health. He was a Deacon at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church and Whole Life Christian Fellowship and was also a member of the Salvation Army Church. Even though he worked nights, he never missed attending church. He was a man of God. He enjoyed watching football, basketball, westerns, playing basketball, softball and making candles. He took pride in keeping the best lawn on the block. God needed James more than we needed him and He called him home on October 7, 2021. He is preceded in death by his wife Sharon Austin, daughter Tiffany Austin, and his parents James Lou Austin and Adella Florence Booker. He is survived by his children, Sharnette McAlester, Raynette (Clarke) Newby, Steven (Melissa) Austin, Jamie (Shelby) Kerrick, David Wilson, Lorenzo (LaQuasia) Banks, Nathaniel Austin, Natasha Austin, E’Unique Austin, 31 Grandchildren, 7 Great-Grandchildren, 1 Great-Great Granddaughter, his brother Edward Miller, and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. He will always be remembered as a strong but gentle man; respected by everyone. He was selfless, showed unconditional love and carried himself in a way that demanded respect. He made his family feel protected and would help anytime without complaining. He never compromised his integrity and became a father role model to many people.