James David Tomkins, a beloved husband, son, brother, and friend, passed away on August 30, 2024, in Alamo Heights, Texas, at the age of 43. Born on August 23, 1981, in Galveston, Texas, James spent his formative years in the Houston area, where he graduated from Clear Lake High School.

James dedicated 25 years of his career to Morgan Stanley, beginning in the mailroom and steadily climbing the ranks. His hard work and dedication led him to become a Senior Vice President Branch Manager for the Greater Texas market in San Antonio, a role he held with pride and passion. His colleagues remember him for his magnetic personality, calm nature, and his ability to connect with everyone he met. His care and compassion left an indelible impact on the Morgan Stanley community around him.

Outside of work, James had a deep love for the details in life, from Excel spreadsheets and the fine print to make sure he got the best credit card deals, to Texas barbeque and anything hot and spicy. He loved math and running numbers to make sure he was getting the best value. He loved the Houston Astros and Dr Pepper and had a special place in his heart for HEB, where he could always be found searching for his next culinary inspiration. Though he claimed to hate running, he was an avid runner, even completing the Snowdrop ULTRA Race which is a 100-miles in less than 55 hours, a testament to his perseverance and determination. He also conquered the Pikes Peak Ascent which is a grueling half marathon up Pikes Peak in Colorado. He loved spending time hunting and fishing at the ranch in Gonzales. James also had a passion for travel embracing the diverse cultures, foods, and experiences it had to offer.

James had a profound connection to his family and friends. He is survived by the love of his life, Monica Alvarado, and their cherished beagle, Tucker Tomkins. He also leaves behind his mother Debbie Grodecki, his father, David Tomkins, his sister, Ashley Sims, and her husband Austin. His in-laws, Henry and Angie Alvarado, brothers-in-law Henry (Amy) and Wes Alvarado, sister-in-law Dr. Sasha Alvarado, and nieces and nephews Penelope, Eloise, Chase, Aria, Leo, McKenna, and Dylan will all deeply miss him. James leaves behind many close colleagues, mentors, and mentees at Morgan Stanley. James also had numerous close friends from the Runners High Running Club in the Houston area. He loved cooking, grilling, crafting and was slightly obsessed with fishing wherever he was at, especially in the Gulf.

James was preceded in death by his beloved beagle, Tory Burch Tomkins.

His legacy of kindness, his love for life, and his ability to bring joy to those around him will be remembered always.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate James’s life at Cypress-Fairbanks Funeral Home in Houston, Texas on Saturday, September 7th, 2024 at 2:30.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in James’s memory to The Council on Recovery (www.councilonrecovery.org /donate-online), the San Antonio Food Bank (https://safoodbank.org/donate/) or the Houston Food Bank (https://www.houstonfoodbank.org).