James Fordyce

James Allen Fordyce, 58, of La Grange, passed away on Feb. 2, 2017, at Seton Hospital in Austin.

He had defeated cancer earlier in life, but lost the rematch. He leaves behind his mother, Gloria Fordyce, sister Linda Streicher and husband Harold, sister Karen Fordyce, brother Jerry Fordyce and wife Melanie, his niece Emma Fordyce and nephew (and namesake) James Fordyce. He joins his father, Jesse Allen Fordyce, who preceded him in death.

James collected old computer parts and built working computers for those in need. He self-taught himself about computers and became a CNC machinist, programming the lathes himself.

He helped his neighbors when needed. He was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and proudly worked the steps. He spent years in an on-going quest to restore an old car that was never quite done.

He rode a Harley until his health wouldn’t allow it, then switched to an old pick-up truck. He fed stray cats, which even now are gathered by the door to his place, wondering where the nice guy who always had treats for them is hiding.

His many family and friends back in Houston remember his younger days, when he had long hair and proudly called himself a hippie. He wasn’t perfect, but he was always there for his friends, always supportive, and will now always be missed.

A memorial service will be held on at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at Fayette Memorial Funeral Home in La Grange. In lieu of flowers, please encourage a smoker to give up cigarettes. It’s a habit they can live without.