Jennifer "Jen" Ynez James

Jennifer "Jen" Ynez James

January 14, 1986 - January 15, 2025

With profound sadness, we announce the tragic loss of Jennifer Ynez (Erwin) James, who passed away in a multi-vehicle collision on I-35, in Hewitt, Texas on January 15th, 2025. Jennifer’s vibrant spirit and genuine kindness touched countless lives, and her absence leaves an unfillable void. Born on January 14th, 1986, in Savannah, Georgia, Jennifer’s journey through life was nothing short of extraordinary. As a devoted mother to her children, Hunter James (age 20) and Lindy James (age 14), Jennifer’s love and dedication knew no bounds. She was a beacon of compassion, both in her family life and in her esteemed career, where her gentle touch, direct approach, and unwavering commitment provided comfort to innumerable people. Jennifer’s legacy is carried forward by her beloved parents, James Bradley Erwin and Linda Ines (Borges) Erwin; her loving sisters, Alyssia Breeann Crosley and Michelle Dana Davis and Husband Harrison Davis; and 3 nieces and 6 nephews, including her beloved fiancé Cody Wayne Adams. In heaven, Jennifer is now reunited with her cherished husband, Vincent James, who passed away in May 2023, as well as her beloved Papa Louie Borges, Uncle Ernie and Aunt Cindy Borges who now hold her hand once more. Jennifer is survived by her maternal grandmother, Mary Villarreal, and paternal grandparents, Ken and Cheri Erwin, alongside a supportive and loving network of aunties, uncles, cousins, neighbors, and besties (you know who you are).

Jennifer’s professional accomplishments were many, including earning her Bachelor of Nursing Degree (BSN) from Texas Tech University (TTU) in 2017. She held an esteemed leadership role as a charge nurse at Baylor Scott & White Sports and Orthopedic Center, where she was adored by her work family of first responders, nurses, and doctors. Her colleagues will forever remember her as a guiding light of human kindness and empathy. Jennifer’s legacy began from her birthplace in Savannah, Georgia, where her father served in the US Army. From there, the family moved back home to Riverside, California, where she graduated from Martin Luther King High School and, thereafter, welcomed her firstborn son, Hunter, in 2004. Jennifer and family spent a short stint between 2006 and 2010 in Utah, where her baby girl, Lindy, was born. In 2010, Jennifer and her family found their forever home in Texas, a place where she continued to thrive, nurture her family, and achieve her aspirations.

Jennifer’s memory will be eternally cherished by her children, Hunter and Lindy, her devoted family, and the diverse community of friends and colleagues whose lives she enriched. Her rare ability to embody heartfelt kindness, compassion, and love for all people made her utterly unique. Jennifer’s authenticity and unwavering acceptance of all walks of life endeared her to everyone she met. Her greatest pride lay in raising her two children to be authentic and kind-hearted individuals, providing a long-lasting foundation of faith and love for family. Her extraordinary legacy of love, compassion, and acceptance endures through them.

A service to celebrate Jennifer’s exceptional life will be held on Monday, January 27th at “The Venue at First Woodway,” 110 Ritchie Rd., Woodway, TX at 3 o'clock p.m. A reception will follow at “The Exchange Event Center” in McGregor, TX.

Financial donations can be made directly to Jennifer’s parents (Brad and Linda Erwin), with all proceeds going to support Jennifer’s surviving children.

May Jennifer’s radiant spirit continue to shine through the lives she touched, and may her memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew her.

Any questions or concerns contact Auntie Dawn at 951-830-1104 or email dcornelis@clerblu.com

Hewett-Arney Funeral Home of Temple is entrusted with all arrangements.