James Lee Austin, Jr.

May 21, 1938    ~    April 8, 2025

James Lee Austin Junior, 86, of South Bend passed away at his home with his loving family beside him on April 8, 2025. 

James was born on May 21, 1938, in Altheimer, Arkansas to the late James and Vivian (Farris) Austin Sr.  He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Clyde Austin, Sr. and Clarence Austin and 2 grandchildren Alisha Austin & Steven Blount.

James was a graduate of Washington High School in South Bend, IN in 1956. His education also included 3 Associates Degrees from Ivy Tech, in Accounting Technology, Industrial Management, and Small Business/Office Enterprise between 1977-1979.

His career included six years of Active Duty in the Air Force, two of which were during the Vietnam War, followed by 29 years in the Air Force Reserves. He retired as a Master Sergeant. He then worked for the United States Postal Service for many years until retirement.

After retiring, he spent ten years working in Corrections for St. Joseph County. He then served as a substitute teacher at both John Adams High School and Washington High School, eventually completing his final nine years in security at Washington. This marked his full retirement in 2014.

In public and volunteer service, he was the first African American elected as a Portage Township Advisory Board Member, serving from 2007 to 2019, retiring after his last term. He previously ran for city council and school board in the early 2000's before being elected to the Advisory Board in 2006. 

He coached 20 years of track including 16 years at Washington High.

He was a member of Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church for over 30 years and served as a trustee for the same duration. He was also the Sunday School superintendent for over 12 years and trustee chairman for more than 12 years.

He was a lifelong member and former leader of Elks Lodge #298, located at 1001 W. Western Ave, South Bend, IN 46601.

James is survived by his children: Dominick (Holly) Austin of South Bend, Jayne Austin of South Bend, Carl Austin of Indianapolis, Lisa Austin of Indianapolis, Joann Bryant of Indianapolis, Curita Hughes of Las Vegas, Anthony (Rosa) of the Philippines, and Dawn Austin of Indianapolis. He also leaves behind 16 grandchildren; nieces and nephews Tonja Austin, Derek Austin, and Clyde Austin Jr., Ronnie (Debra) Austin, and Kim Austin, Erica Austin, Tascha Austin; and his lifelong friend of 30 years, Pastor Larry Davidson.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday May 7, 2025, from 11:00 AM until 12:00 Noon at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church. 

The funeral service will immediately follow on Wednesday May 7, 2025, at 12:00 Noon at Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 206 S Falcon St. South Bend, IN 46619. 

The interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola, IN where James will be laid to rest with full US Air Force military honors in recognition of his service to our nation.

Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Osceola, IN is in charge of arrangements. 

5/03/2025 djb