James Allen Augustine

His tires were hot, rubber melted to the pavement, as he was staged and set for his final trip down the drag strip he loved so much. On Friday, April 16, 2021 James Allen Augustine passed those green lights a final time.

He was born June 2, 1973 and was a lifelong resident of Lake Charles where he graduated from Barbe High School. Of the uncertainties of life, there were three things he was certain of… The woman who would be his wife, that cars were meant to go fast on the strip, and that the simple things in life would bring him the most joy.

It was a blind date that would lead him to his wife to be, Emily. On October 1, 1993 they enjoyed one of his favorite past times, a good old-fashioned movie, then May 28 the following year they exchanged vows. They shared a love of animals, cars, music, movies, baseball and camping.

At an early age James loved tinkering with cars and spent many hours with his mom and dad at their auto shop or the drag strip. James started his work history at the age of 15 bussing tables at Bonanza Steak House before advancing to R & R Lawn Service. James put his everything into his work, no matter the job.

All during High School James studied welding intending to be a welder. After graduation, he could not avoid his love of cars. He was employed at Mid-City Auto for over 27 years, was well respected in his profession, and by his fellow drag racers. James was the best diagnostician, just give him the symptoms, let him listen to the vehicle, or feel it run and he could tell you what was wrong.

He was a proud husband and father, working hard to provide for his family. Nothing brought him more joy than to spend time with his family, whether it was a good movie (sci-fi and horror were his favorites) or spending the weekend at the drag strip. He also enjoyed countless trips to the Gulf Coast, attending Cruisin’ the Coast in Franken-pache or traveling all the way to Universal Studios in Orlando.  His son Beau was his pride and joy. He loved being a father, sharing with Beau his love of music and movies, coaching his baseball team, and traveling on camping adventures.   

He was welcomed into Heaven by his grandmothers, Iris Guillory and Belle Comeaux; his father in-law, Dale Crochet; and great aunt, Vivian Cannon.

Those left to cherish his memory and love of life; his wife of 27 years, Emily; his beloved son, Beau; his mother, Jo (Rocky) Schexneider; father, Bo Augustine; his mother in-law, Lois (Alvin) Cedars; his little brother, John Logan (Lindsey) “Shrimp” Augustine, his siblings in-love Roxanne (Bud) Bonura, Paula (Ricky) Henry, David (Dawn) Schexneider, Donna Crochet, Joseph Roberts, Krystal Cedars, Cindy (David) Betts, Summer Woods, Jason (Shantella) Crochet, and Michael Crochet; nieces & nephews; Mya and Claudia Augustine; Kadin and Alysan Newman; Calista, Dale, and Declan Sutton; Makaela, Jonni, Joseph Jr, and Adelyn Roberts; Breanna and Talon Moses; Elaina (Blake) Donham, Savannah Adams; Brice Woods. along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, his close friends, John (Julie) Pearce, Lee (Madelyn) Guidry, Tony (Donna) Naquin, and Matt (Denise) Veillon, and racing family.

The family will welcome friends on April 24, 2021 at University Baptist Church beginning at 10am until his time of service. A celebration of his life led by R.B. Smith will begin at 2pm. Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children or Colo-Rectal Cancer Alliance.