James William Rohlich died peacefully at home in Austin on Monday, June 18th surrounded by his family. He is preceded in death by his father, Gerard and brother, Henry. Survivors include wife, April; mother, Mary, and siblings, Mary Ellen, Gerry, Tom, Karl, Cathy, Ginny, John and Richard. He has many nieces and nephews (precious treasures) who all adored him as their favorite uncle.

James attended Casis Elementary, O'Henry Junior High, S.F. Austin High School, the University of Texas at Austin and graduated from Southwest Texas. He was employed at the City of Austin for 24 years as a Systems Administrator and retired from the city in 2007 to work for the state until his second retirement in 2009. He also tended bar at the Texas Showdown Saloon on Sundays for over 25 years. He was a member of the Showdown Vermin Softball team and enjoyed playing competitive darts, pinball and bowling.

James had many friends with whom he loved fishing. At age eight, he caught a bluegill that was "9 1/2 inches long and 5 inches the other way". When asked for fishing tips by the Wisconsin State Journal in a photo op he replied, "It's best to get there early, and use night crawlers. And you should go fishing every day."

James was an avid golfer from an early age, and played on the Austin High golf team. He was always a contender in the annual family golf tournament. He and friends and family had many inside jokes and side bets on the links (snakes, greenies, wolf and the like).

James was a lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers, and even became a shareholder in the team. He cherished each and every Packer victory and he counted their Super Bowl Championships among the highlights of his life. James and April were also able to attend several Packers games together over the years. During a few of the many lean years for the green and gold, he would even ruefully admit he wished the Pack didn't mean so much to him.

James and April enjoyed experiencing other cultures and traveling together, including a memorable trip to Japan during the Sakura Blossom Festival and a trip to Peru with 40 family members trekking to Macchu Picchu. James and April also attended the symphony in Central Park on a visit to the Big Apple, wore themselves out exploring San Francisco and Seattle on foot, and shared an unforgettable experience in the mountains of New Mexico, listening to the eerie nocturnal sounds of elk and wolves. The glittering lights of Las Vegas also called to James and April on many occasions.
James was also a committed Meals on Wheels volunteer for more than a decade. James and family--with mother Mary in the lead--enjoyed year round swims in the cool, sacred waters of Barton Springs. James was a gentle, sweet soul with a great sense of humor, qualities which served him well as he dealt with his more than three-year struggle with cancer.

Since his death on Monday, family and friends have been sharing and enjoying stories and laughter about James. Join us for more of the same at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 2620 South Congress, on Wednesday, June 27th between 5:30 and 7:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice Austin.