James Joseph Diskin

James Joseph Diskin II

September 12, 1936 – October 26, 2022
How do you possibly describe in a few words an entire lifetime of a person? The truth is, you can’t. It’s impossible. We each fill in the story with memories all our own. Whether it was him being a wonderful father, a devoted husband, loving grandfather or trusted friend. It’s every thought gathered where a full picture can be seen.

Jim was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 12, 1936 to James and Ruth Diskin. He spent his youth riding the subways, swimming at the YMCA and basking in the sun and fun of Coney Island. He attended Montauk Junior High and finished his studies at New Utrecht High School in 1954. He always exceled in math and had a knack for numbers.

Later, he moved to Long Island where his first marriage yielded four children: Jimmy, Danny, Janet and Charlene.
Jim’s career eventually led him into the aerospace industry where he proudly became part of putting man on the moon. He traveled extensively and during one of his trips to Houston, met a new love in his life, Jo Harmon. He then moved to California and three years later proposed and moved Jo and her two children, Penny and Joey, to the San Francisco Bay Area where they lived for the next 11 years.

In his mid-40’s, after working many years as a Quality Control Manager, he ‘quit the rat race’ as he called it and made a move to Texas. It was in those wide, open spaces he could shoot his gun whenever he wanted. Yankee Jim was now a Texan and loved it! He never however, lost his New York accent.

Jim and Jo owned a couple of businesses after their move; the last being Champion Racing Silks where they designed and produced apparel for the horse racing industry.
After nearly 33 years of marriage, Jo sadly passed away leaving Jim with a broken heart. During this sadness he found love again with Shirley Smith who had gone through the same loss he had. They formed a new life together for their golden years and were married for over 17 years. With Shirley came three stepsons, Lawrence, Gary and Byron who he adored. They grew to love Jim just as his own family grew to love her.
Jim grew up Catholic but later attended Lutheran churches where he served as an elder and president of his congregation. He held firm in his faith and led by example.

He relished his travel adventures and always defined a trip by what he ate, not by what he saw or did! His favorite destination was the Dominican Republic where he went no less than 20 times. Ireland was also at the top of his list. He loved to watch war and military movies, discuss politics, tell jokes and had great stories to share of his life’s adventures. There are wonderful memories of trips to the deer camps, hunting and sitting around a warm campfire. He also had a private pilot’s license, loved pizza with a passion, always found the best bargain and as some of you know, gave the best bear hugs and had the biggest laugh. He was a good and loving man who was larger than life. He left this world peacefully, in a circle of prayer, blanketed with the love of those surrounding him. Oh, how we will miss him...
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jo Diskin, a son, Danny Diskin, and two sisters, Emily and Dawn. He leaves on earth his dear wife, Shirley Smith, his daughters Penny Sonnier (Bobby), Janet
Castellano, Charlene Ludlow (Chris) and his son Joe Diskin. Stepsons Lawrence Smith (Gina), Gary Smith (Pam) and Byron Smith (Wendy).
In addition, on his side he leaves five grandsons: Jared Myers (Naomi), Brady Myers (Kasey), Josh Diskin, Nick Castellano and Gino Castellano. Also, granddaughters Tracy and Tatum Diskin.
And his great-grandsons: Noah, Owen and Aaron Myers who were able to be with him during his final hours.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at 10:30am at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX with luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers please bless the following with your donations: Hospice Austin (4107 Spicewood Springs Rd. | Austin, TX 78759) or Grace Lutheran Church (801 W. 11th St. | Elgin, TX 78621). The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Nikki Hudnall from Hospice Austin who spread her love and whose tender hand guided Jim through his final days. She is truly an angel on this earth.
Jim’s beautiful singing voice now sings forever in God’s Heavenly choir!