James Austin Obituary

Jim Austin stepped into eternity on October 9, 2016. He was born on August 18, 1927 in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania to parents Thelma and James Austin, Sr.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, John Austin.

He is survived by his sister, Jackie Fry; his wife, Sally; former wife, Sonja; sons Bruce and Andrew Austin; step-children, Barb Bryan, Bob Havenor and Susan Simon; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Jim enlisted in the Coast Guard at the end of WWII. After serving his enlistment, he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and then earned his divinity degree from Lutheran Seminary. Rev. Austin was ordained in the Lutheran Church, where he planted a church in Audubon, Pennsylvania. He took the leadership of a church in Pueblo, Colorado in 1969. Soon after, he moved to Colorado Springs where he spent the rest of his life.

His calling to serve others then took the form of counseling. Upon receiving his Masters Degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado, Jim became a psychotherapist with the Pikes Peak Mental Health Center. He also pioneered and guided a program for ten years through the Center For Prevention of Domestic Violence, which focused on violent male offenders.

Jim and Sally Austin were volunteer docents for thirty-two years with the El Paso County Parks and Nature Centers. Jim especially enjoyed guiding children through the Bear Creek and Fountain Creek Nature Centers.

Jim was an avid fan of both Colorado College hockey and the Denver Broncos. His warm smile and endless jokes were shared by all who knew him well.

A memorial service will be held for the Rev. James H. Austin, Jr., 1:00PM, Saturday, October 29, 2016 at the Broadmoor Community Church, 315 Lake Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80906.