James Lopez

James X. Lopez, affectionately known as Dad, Daddy, Pop, Pappa, and BROTHA JAMES, was a lifelong resident of Harlingen. He was born on February 26, 1941, in Harlingen, Texas. James passed away shortly after his 84th birthday, surrounded by friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Federico Lopez Jr. and Connie Lopez; his brothers, Fred Lopez III and Joe Edward Lopez; his son, Carlos Javier (Jav) Lopez; and his grandson, Kenichiro Ayden Lopez.

He is survived by his wife, Alison W. Lopez; his brother, Albert C. Lopez (Mary); sister-in-law Keta Lopez; and sister-in-law Elisa Lopez. Immediate family includes his eldest son, James X. Lopez Jr.; daughter, Terri Lee (Delton); Dori; and son, Dominic Lopez. He is also survived by grandchildren Jonas J. Lee (Natalie), Kendra J. Beall (Joe), and Matthew D. Lee (Kayla); as well as great-grandchildren Presley R. Lee, Landry E. Lee, Vaughan L. Beall, Lola Lopez, Jazzlyn, and Kaylee James.

James graduated from St. Joseph Academy in Brownsville and pursued his education in cosmetology to become a hairstylist at the young age of 19. Working under the direction of his beloved uncle, Frank Joseph, he continued to excel in his career and opened his own salon, named Xavier’s Hair Salon. Throughout his career, James received countless awards across the state for his excellence in the industry. He dedicated over 54 years of service both as a hairstylist and an instructor.

He had been a long-standing member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.

James was known for his countless trips across the globe and always returned with fascinating stories to tell. An avid reader, he had a small library in the back room where clients could leave or take a book. He was always excited to engage in discussions. Weekends included gatherings of friends while he mastered a good roux or beautifully roasted pork tenderloin, all while listening to Eric Clapton, Neil Young, Linda Ronstadt, and many others. He truly enjoyed a broad spectrum of music. He loved visiting his parents' house to sit and share meals of his mother’s famous pot roast and reminisce about the good old days with “pop”!

During the last several years, James received exceptional care under the guidance of Dr. Stephanie Garcia and her knowledgeable and caring staff. In his final days, the teams at Valley Baptist Medical Center, including but not limited to the S.I.C.U., went above and beyond; his family could not have felt more secure with the professionalism, compassion, and care he received.

The Lopez family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Buck Ashcraft San Benito Funeral Home. A recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin that evening at 6:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. (The Rosary will be livestreamed: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc0NDMwODgyMDM1Nzk4OCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==) A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Harlingen. Following the Mass, the Rite of Committal, with Father Pete officiating, and interment will be at Linn/San Manuel (Chapa-Garza) Cemetery. Friends and relatives are invited to accompany the family to the cemetery as they take James to his place of rest. Reception for all to follow at the home of Terri and Delton Lee.