Jim was born in Johnson City, Tennessee, to Carlyne Young Ferrier and Leonard Jackson Ferrier. The family moved to Brownsville, when Jim was two years old, then to Temple, where Jim grew up.

He graduated from Temple High School in 1969. After high school, Jim joined the Navy and served for three years before he was honorably discharged because of an injury he sustained.

Jim returned to Austin and studied at the University of Texas where he graduated with a bachelor’s of science. Jim became a teacher and taught science and special education with Georgetown Jr. High and McCallum High School for the next 25 years.

Jim and Tammy met in 1993, Jim was teaching life skills at McCallum High School, and Tammy was a liaison between MHMR of Austin and Austin Independent School District. Jim and Tammy married in 1996 in the Lutheran Church of Resurrection in Wimberly. They were blessed with their son, Alex, in 1997.

Jim’s greatest joy over the years was helping his son grow and bestowing upon him, his love for God, family, history and animals. Jim was a great storyteller with a beautiful knowledge of local and Texas history.

Jim was a very spirited, Christian man who loved his savior and studied the Bible extensively. He would read scripture daily and pray often. Jim was also active in the Special Olympics for many years and had a passion for helping those who needed an extra bit of encouragement and a helping hand.

Jim valiantly struggled with congestive heart failure and diabetes for years. The last two years were especially difficult as Jim was always an active person. Jim loved spending his time with his son playing chess and cards, watching the History Channel together or sharing memories. For Jim’s wife and son, caring for Jim was an honor and he was so proud to have them by his side.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff and Heart Hospital of Austin, the loving staff of Enhabit Hospice and his dearest friend and often caregiver, James E. Thomas of Corbin, Kentucky.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Carlyne Ferrier of Austin.

Jim leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, Tammy; and son, Alex, both of Elgin; sisters, Barbra Williams (Mitchell) and Jane Shields of East Texas; along with five nephews.

'Safe in the arms of Jesus'

Memorials may be made to St. Peters Lutheran Church of Elgin.

A visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, at Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home. A celebration of Life was held Friday, Dec. 29, at 10 a.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Elgin.

A rrangements entrusted to Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home.