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James William Rohlich

James William Rohlich

  • April 24, 1961 - June 18, 2012
  • Austin, Texas
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Memories & Candles

“Like many, I met James at Showdown. Always a friendly smile and a ready funny tale. I was once so despondent over the Redskins that I asked James...Read More » ”
1 of 32 | Posted by: Mo Murray

“April..you are such a strong person... James is so lucky to have you for a wife and a true friend..every time i start to write my eyes start to tear...Read More » ”
2 of 32 | Posted by: Derven and Tricia - Austin, TX

“Always a smile, always a friend. You will be missed James, but we are all better people for having known you. Love to you April, and all the family...Read More » ”
3 of 32 | Posted by: Debbie Foulds - Austin, TX

“James, You and April are the best neighbors a guy could ask for--friendly, depenndable, accessible, and helpful at all times. Our yard-to-yard...Read More » ”
4 of 32 | Posted by: Ara Merjanian - Austin, TX

“James is one of two men I have known that were truly special people. James was special because of the characteristics that made him the man he was...Read More » ”
5 of 32 | Posted by: Rocky Klossner - Austin, TX

“For twenty years I have been trying to convince James to run for City Council thinking what an awesome force he would be. To that end, whenever I...Read More » ”
6 of 32 | Posted by: Bob Bechtol

“Writing this from Ruidoso, NM. James and I talked often about how this was my sanctuary each year, and how he loved it when he came here April -...Read More » ”
7 of 32 | Posted by: Donn Lorbieski (& Cynthia) - TX

“I'll never forget the days at the Showdown with James. He was always such a fun loving guy. Never seemed to be down. Golf in the morning/early...Read More » ”
8 of 32 | Posted by: Kenny Wills - Austin, TX - Friend

“This ones for yall James and April. Go Packers!!!! Win the super bowl for James. that was a tuff write for a bleed blue Cowboy fan, but i mean it. ”
9 of 32 | Posted by: Eddie Mack - san marcos , TX

“Uncle James, You will be missed by all. Memories of your smile, laughter, and fun-loving attitude of life will remain with me forever. We are...Read More » ”
10 of 32 | Posted by: Liz Rohlich - Austin, TX - Niece

“Don't know where to begin, It's so hard to lose a great friend. I wished I could have reached within and pulled the cancer from 'neath your skin...Read More » ”
11 of 32 | Posted by: Andy Lough - Austin, TX - Friend

“Fond memories of James and his Vermin clan. I was Texas Showdown Regular. Love, Peace and Light to all his loved ones~ Lo Whipple ”
12 of 32 | Posted by: lo whipple

“James, always a smile and a good word. My condolences to April, his family and his many close friends. ”
13 of 32 | Posted by: Murphy

“There are just too many great times with James and his family to even begin to count them, but one of my favorite memories has to be his telling of...Read More » ”
14 of 32 | Posted by: Nancy Hancock - Austin, TX

“Why I miss James: 5. Ready drinking buddy (met at the Showdown, of course). 4. He hated losing at Golden Tee (and bowling, and golf, and…). 3....Read More » ”
15 of 32 | Posted by: Michael Barrett - Austin, TX

“What fond memories I have of James. We went swimming together every weekend at willows beach in Madison. We played with the hand-made blocks up on...Read More » ”
16 of 32 | Posted by: Richard Sommer - San Antonio, TX

“We were just hanging out. Having a good time, always. I knew the extreme joy or absolute anguish of either winning or losing to James at pinball,...Read More » ”
17 of 32 | Posted by: Terry Burgess - Austin, TX

“So many memories you left for me and they all make me smile. I remember when you first came to Casis, calling yourself "New boy", with that great...Read More » ”
18 of 32 | Posted by: David Hickman - Houston, TX

“James and I met while working for the City of Austin in 1989 and like everyone else soon became good friends. From the start I felt there was...Read More » ”
19 of 32 | Posted by: Michael Galloway - Austin, TX

“James was always there for the best celebrations of our lives. When I first met James, it must’ve been at some party because that’s pretty much...Read More » ”
20 of 32 | Posted by: Deni Zwiener - Austin, TX

“I first met James in Cassis School, when he moved to town. He was always smiling and fun to be around. I am sorry we lost touch after I moved away,...Read More » ”
21 of 32 | Posted by: Justin Bulhof - Bryan, TX

“Rest in Peace James The World would be a much better place if there was a little bit of James in everyone.My deepest sympathy to his Wife, Mother and...Read More » ”
22 of 32 | Posted by: Stanley Jay Grider "Stan the Man" - TX

“Dear sweet April I love you and am so glad James had you in his life. We are blessed to have you as family!! James has always been dear to us and I...Read More » ”
23 of 32 | Posted by: Colleen and hawk and family - TN

“April, You are in our thoughts and prayers. James and I shared many wonderful childhood memories. We had so much fun spending our summer days...Read More » ”
24 of 32 | Posted by: Tim Schultz - Cross Plains, WI

“We will miss you dearly, Uncle James, but your memory will live on! Thanks to everyone here for sharing these beautiful stories. ”
25 of 32 | Posted by: Amanda - oakland, CA

“April, Like many, many people, we've never said his name without smiling, even if today through a tear ... His laughter will always be ringing in our...Read More » ”
26 of 32 | Posted by: Philip & Beth Duke from the Showdown Days

“April, Please know that you are in my prayers. I have fond memories of James and the crazy days of the Showdown/Vermin. We had some wonderful...Read More » ”
27 of 32 | Posted by: Don Dungan - Georgetown, TX

“April, While I have never met you personally, I want to extend the condolences of I and my fellow co-workers here within Austin Water where James...Read More » ”
28 of 32 | Posted by: Jay - Austin, TX - Co-worker

“April - we are here. Tonight we are hosting a kid's movie night in the front yard. We are expecting 16 kids. James would have loved that, huh? I hope...Read More » ”
29 of 32 | Posted by: LeeAnn, Dave, Mabel, Gigi, Felix and Kaden - TX

“April, you and James will always be an inspiration for us. While we will miss James deeply, we are ever so grateful that he was our friend. All our...Read More » ”
30 of 32 | Posted by: Mary and Don - Austin, TX

“I had the best time working with James at the Austin Water Utility! We would laugh often. I remember he won BIG in Las Vegas and took us ALL to...Read More » ”
31 of 32 | Posted by: Nancy Shiring - Austin, TX

“James, thank you for the light, love and laughter you brought to our lives together. The special moments we shared each day knowing we were blessed...Read More » ”
32 of 32 | Posted by: April Rohlich - Austin, TX - Wife


On-Line Flower Shop

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.