James Albaugh

James Matthew Albaugh (65) of Abilene, Texas went fishing in heaven with his Lord and Savior on February 13, 2024, after an 18 month dance with liver cancer. He left this life listening to “Laughter” by David Crosby.

A private memorial service is planned next week, and his cremains will be scattered at the gulf coast and in his favorite fishing spot in his previous home in Florence, Colorado.

James (Matt) was born in Abilene to Harrison LeMay Albaugh and Marilyn (Albaugh) Smith on December 30, 1958.  He attended schools in Abilene and Albany, Texas.  He was a certified butcher, enjoyed woodworking, and as a younger man worked as a roadie for top musical acts.  He was a naturally trained and talented musician and shared a great friendship with David Crosby.  

After decades of drug and alcohol addiction, James got clean and sober thanks to his dog Sassy, who saved his life over a decade ago when she would ignore him if he was under the influence.  Sassy and James were proud members of the community of Florence, Colorado, and enjoyed daily fishing excursions and visiting friends and playing music.

James was a friend, brother, son, uncle, and cousin, but his closest relationship was with Sassy, who began mourning the day his health turned this week and mourns him still.  

James was preceded in death by father H.L. Albaugh, brother Charles Rea Albaugh, grandparents Jim and Sue Rea, grandfather Ray Anderson Albaugh, uncle Jim Rea, cousins Donnie and Randy Leonard, and second-cousin Misty Nicole Bigham.

James is survived by mother Marilyn Smith, sister Melinda (Mark) McCarty, nephew Marcus McCarty, Sassy, numerous cousins and extended family.

Special thanks to the community of Florence, Colorado, Kris Flores of Muddy Water Catfishing in New Mexico, Boyd Canterbury, John and Trey, Sonny Zahn, Jim and Cheryl Leonard, Dr. Padma Draksharam and the staff at Texas Oncology, and Savannah and the rest of the staff at Hendrick Hospice Care.  Your kindness, concern and care for James will always be remembered.

Memorials may be made to Hendrick Hospice, Houses for Healing or the charity of your choice.