Austin Community Remembers Local Legend Jim Haley

Austin honors the memory of Jim Haley, celebrating his contributions to the community and environment.

News Summary

The Austin community mourns the loss of Jim Haley, a dedicated advocate for the environment and community service, who passed away at 71. His impactful legal career and love for music and nature left a lasting legacy. A memorial service will honor his contributions and spirit.

Austin Community Remembers Jim Haley: A Life of Service and Passion

On March 26, 2025, the vibrant city of Austin lost a cherished member and advocate, Jim Francis “Jim” Haley, Jr.. At 71 years old, Jim passed away after a determined battle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy that spans both the legal and environmental realms.

A Journey Through Life

Born in Erie, Pennsylvania, on September 30, 1953, Jim was the oldest of five children from a military family. This meant that he moved frequently, adapting to new schools and environments throughout his childhood. Between kindergarten and high school graduation, Jim attended over a dozen schools, finally completing his education at Catholic Boys High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, graduating in 1971.

After high school, Jim made his way to Austin to pursue higher education at the University of Texas. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business in 1975 before diving into law, obtaining his Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1979 from the University of Texas School of Law.

A Legal Career Dedicated to the Environment

Jim’s legal career took off in 1980 when he joined the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC). Over the next 15 years, he played pivotal roles, including serving as the Deputy Executive Director and lead attorney for the Office of Legal Services & Compliance. His leadership was instrumental in shaping environmental policies aimed at safeguarding Texas’ precious natural resources and public health.

He later took charge of the Office of Waste Management & Pollution Cleanup, where he was responsible for overseeing crucial permitting and enforcement programs that made a real difference in the community. Jim also worked with the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), advocating for consumer rights, highlighting his unwavering commitment to serving the public.

Passions Beyond the Courtroom

Outside of his legal accomplishments, Jim was passionate about music, particularly the blues. He found joy in the vibrant music scene of Austin, often seen at local clubs like Antone’s and Armadillo World HQ. As a guitarist himself, Jim drew inspiration from legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Jim also cherished the great outdoors, frequently exploring Texas state parks, with a special love for Big Bend National Park. This deep connection to nature helped fuel his advocacy for environmental conservation, blending his personal hobbies with professional endeavors.

A Heart for Community Service

Even while facing his own health challenges, Jim never ceased to give back to his community. He served as the Board President of Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT) and volunteered as a court-appointed family attorney for Children’s Protective Services (CPS). These roles brought him immense satisfaction as he worked to support families in need. His spirit of service extended further when he volunteered for Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to neighbors in Austin and Kyle.

Jim is survived by his two sons, Gabriel, 27, and Joshua, 25, along with their mother, Jennifer, his siblings, and numerous cousins, all of whom feel the weight of his absence deeply.

Memorial Service Information

A memorial service is set to honor Jim’s life and legacy on April 6, 2025, at 2 PM at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home in Austin. For those who cannot attend in person, an online streaming option will be made available.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT), continuing Jim’s legacy of helping others and enriching the community he loved so dearly.