James Alexander Stockwell II

LAREDO - James Alexander Stockwell II, age 57, passed away unexpectedly on April 22, 2026, leaving behind a silence far too loud for those who loved him.A lifelong Laredo resident, James now rests in eternal peace with the Lord, reunited with his beloved mother, Raquel Rodarte Reyna, who passed away in March 2026. He was also preceded in death by his stepfather, Fred Reyna Jr., his beloved former wife, Adriana Stockwell, of Laredo, and his grandparents Jose and Elia V. Rodarte of Laredo, and Julian F. Stockwell of Benavides, Texas.

James is survived by his father, James A. Stockwell, and his stepmother Rosie Stockwell, of Edinburg, Texas, his grandmother Elma C. Stockwell of Benavides, Texas, brothers Fred Reyna III and Patrick Stockwell (Amy) of Austin, his sisters Christina Reyna Baird (John) of Buda, Texas, Jamie Stockwell (Rebecca) of Washington, D.C., Larena Reyna of Austin, along with nieces, nephews and many dear friends, students, and lives forever changed by his presence.

James was impossible to fit into a mold. He had the spirit of an old cowboy, equal parts rugged soul, gentle protector, storyteller, wanderer, and friend. The way James lived was legendary to those closest to him. He had an instinctive kindness and generosity, with a heart of pure gold. He carried hardship with quiet dignity and offered warmth and compassion to others even during his own struggles. James was a lifelong learner whose accomplishments became part of family legend. Friends often joked that James had more degrees than a thermometer, a testament to both his scholarly drive and his endless curiosity. He pursued knowledge passionately and carried conversations that could move effortlessly from humor to philosophy to music to life itself.A 1987 graduate of J.W. Nixon High School who ran track and held a state record for many years. James continued his education at Texas State University (then Southwest Texas State University), earning a Bachelor of Science; post-graduate studies at Texas A&M International University in Laredo; and Texas A&M University College Station, earning both a Master’s and PhD. James was deeply devoted to helping others and spent his career teaching special needs children at his alma mater, Nixon High, a role that reflected the patience, empathy, and gentleness at the center of who he was. He showed love in a way that made people feel seen, and he received it just as openly.Above all else, love defined James’s life. He loved fiercely and loyally, showing up for family and friends with humor, wisdom, protection, and compassion. His laughter, stories, intelligence, and enormous heart leave an imprint that will never fade.He loved animals deeply, especially his beloved dogs, his wonderfully unique Jack Russell and Basset Hound companions who reflected his own one-of-a-kind spirit. Music was woven through the fabric of his soul, especially the blues, the kind that tells the truth about pain, endurance, redemption, and love. He had a cherished collection of guitars that he loved to play. Settling in on his couch on Saturday nights to watch Austin City Limits, he often called his loved ones during the show to talk about the musicians and their performances. 

We take comfort that he is finally home, finally free, singing with the angels after a long road traveled with courage and soul. His memory rides on in every act of kindness, every blues song and guitar solo drifting through the night, every loyal dog waiting at the door, and every person lucky enough to have known the rare and beautiful soul that he was. He often sang, “Look for the bare necessities, the simple bare necessities, forget about your worries and your strife. So go on now, James, in blessed peace.

Funeral mass will be at 2 p.m. Friday May 22, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Edinburg. Interment of his cremated remains will be held at 12 Noon on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Laredo, Texas.