James Sciandra

James “Jim” Edward Sciandra Sr., 59, was born on July 14, 1966, in Buffalo, NY, to Daniel Joseph Sciandra and Margaret Mary Guzzo. As a kid growing up in Buffalo, he was always getting into mischief, but he never failed to show up for his siblings—walking to school with his brother in the bitter cold wearing matching fuzzy vests, and even taking gymnastics and dance lessons with his little sister.

Jim moved to Texas in 1980 at the age of 14 and graduated from Lumberton High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following his service, he studied to become a mechanic and went on to build a long, respected career working in various car and brake shops, as well as for the City of Beaumont.

His love and knowledge of cars were unmatched. Even when he could no longer perform repairs himself, he guided his loved ones through every step—over the phone, on FaceTime, or even by having someone put the car on a lift so he could be rolled underneath on a mechanic’s creeper.

Jim also had a deep love for food—both cooking and eating. He was known as an excellent cook, especially when preparing Italian dishes for his family. His red sauce, cannoli cream, lasagna, goulash, and potato ham soup were among the family favorites. He also had a lifelong love of coffee, a habit that began in childhood when he would sneak coffee from his dad’s pot and load it with sugar—just the way he continued to take it as an adult.

Above all else, Jim loved his family. He met his wife, Teresa “Terri” Sciandra, through her best friend during a trip back to Buffalo. On their first date at a drive‑in theater, they both fell asleep during the double feature—Jim sleeping through Dirty Dancing and Terri through Beetlejuice. They were married on May 1, 1989, at the courthouse in Buffalo, NY. Their nearly 37‑year marriage was built on love, laughter, and devotion to their three children.

Jim would bend over backwards to care for the people he loved. He made sure dinner was ready whenever Terri would return home from her field trips. He paid for his sister Lyndell’s plane ticket so she could marry her sweetheart. He even drove to Buffalo to bring his sister Janie and her three children—one a newborn—back to Texas. He also took excellent care of his father during his battle with cancer, checking on him every day until he was no longer able to due to his paralysis. His kids remember him making the best of every moment - filling a whole wall of presents on Christmas, allowing them to spend as much time as they wanted selecting a movie from blockbuster, spending countless hours at the zoo with the gorillas, and taking them all on annual birthday trips to Waffle House. As a grandfather, he loved and cherished his only grandchild making funny faces with her and often making her smile or laugh. No matter the need, Jim showed up. He cared fiercely and protected his family every step of the way.

He had a determined spirit and a great sense of humor. He loved a good prank and could make a whole room erupt in laughter with his jokes. Jim was funny, loving, caring, protective, and compassionate. He will be dearly missed.

James is preceded in death by his father, Daniel Joseph Sciandra.

He is survived by his loving wife, Teresa “Terri” Sciandra; his mother, Margaret Mary Sciandra; his children, Thomas “Tommy” Bailer, James “Jimmy” Sciandra Jr. and his wife Shannon Sciandra, Daniel “Danny” Sciandra, and Katrina “Trina” Sciandra; and his granddaughter, Shiloh Sciandra. He is also survived by his siblings, Janie Jasco, Daniel Sciandra and his wife Jamie Sciandra, and Lyndell Rashall and her husband Jerry Rashall, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who cherished him.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, March 2nd, at Woodcrest Methodist Church at 10:00 am (1684 US-96, Lumberton, TX 77657) to honor the life that James lived. For family and friends who are unable to attend in person, the service will be available to view live. A link will be provided as the service gets closer.

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