Mr. James D. Borrego's Obituary
James Borrego, 54, of La Porte, Texas, went to be with his Lord on July 17, 2016. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Sandy, and his two children, Laura Borrego and Jacob Borrego. His parents Trine and Mike Borrego of South Houston; siblings, Michele Jung and husband Bruce from Pasadena, Cassandra Esqueda and husband Jose of Channelview, Michael Borrego from South Houston, and Jennifer Lanehart from Pflugerville; and multiple nieces and nephews.
A time of visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2016 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at South Park Funeral Home in Pearland, TX with a Memorial Service at 10:00 am on Friday, July 22, 2016 at First Baptist Church South Houston. The Rev. Robert Hughes will officiate the service with internment to follow at South Park Cemetery in Pearland, TX.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to First Baptist Church South Houston.
The Testimony of James Borrego
James Desmond Borrego was born on March 19, 1962 Lubbock, Texas. He was the first child of Trine and Mike Borrego. The family moved from Lubbock to South Houston in 1971 where he attended South Houston High School. James played football and was a member of the NJROTC. He also joined the choir his senior year after meeting Sandy. After graduation in 1980, James enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, just as his father, Mike, had done previously. After completing boot camp in San Diego, CA, he married Sandy in Pasadena, TX in 1981. They lived in Millington, TN where James was stationed at the Millington Tennessee Naval Base, when their daughter, Laura Marie, was born November 2, 1981. James, Sandy and Laura moved to Oceanside, CA where James completed his four years of Marine Corps active duty at Camp Pendleton. James also served in the Marine Reserves.
The family returned to the Houston area in 1984 where James worked for Xerox. In 1986, James began working at Ellington Field as an Air Traffic Control Navigational electronic technician, which he studied during his time in the Marines—first with Midwest ATC, then with Dynamic Science Inc. in 1995. He worked at Ellington Field for 29 years until the time of his death.
James and Sandy joined First Baptist South Houston in 1984 where he served as an active member teaching youth and adult Sunday School. James worked with the youth and young adults programs, chaperoning trips and coaching a boys basketball team. James was ordained as a deacon in 1994. He spent much of his time ministering to others, and enjoyed visiting with people and making sure their needs were met. He officiated the funerals of many church members and friends, and comforted families during hospital stays and in other times of need. During Hurricane Katrina he had the church certified through the Red Cross to serve as a shelter to those arriving to Houston from New Orleans. Each Fall he helped coordinate Thanksgiving baskets for those in need in the community and for Pasadena ISD students. He especially enjoyed ministering to people though his love of barbecuing.
On June 5, 1995, James and Sandy’s son, Jacob Daniel was born. James was involved in his children’s activities, from being a swim stroke and turn judge and timer for Laura when she was on the swim team, to coaching Jacob’s little league baseball team. He especially enjoyed traveling with his family. Many road trips were taken, be it Florida to go to Disney World or take Laura to Space Camp, or New Mexico to take Jacob skiing. Yet perhaps his favorite trips were simply going for a ride with his family.
James had a special calling for serving others and helping those in need. His love of God and his passion for ministry was his greatest joy. He was a very generous person who never met a stranger and was also willing to help anyone. He touched the lives of so many people in his family, his friends,co-workers and his church. He will be greatly missed by all of us.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?
