James Robert Austin, Jr., 87, founder of Austin Electrical Enclosures, passed away on March 11, 2022.
The company issued this statement:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passsing of our cherished founder, James R. Austin, Jr. (fondly referred to as “Big Jim” around the plant).
While Mr. Austin will be greatly missed, his vision and his memory will live on forever in the hearts of the entire Austin Electrical Enclosures family.
Here is his obituary:
James Robert Austin, Jr., 87, of Summerfield, N.C. passed away on March 11, 2022. Son of James Robert and Verona Eudy Austin, Sr., Jim was born in Albemarle, N.C. on October 26, 1934.
Jim enjoyed being a member of Shriners and also was a member of Grand Lodge of Ancient, Free and Accepted Mason of N.C. and was a Master Mason of Stanley Lodge No. 348 in Albemarle for over 60 years.
Jim was co-founder of Austin-Berryhill Inc., a metal fabrication contractor. In 1972, the electrical enclosure division was re-named the Austin Co. and moved to Yadkinville, N.C. The family-owned business is now Austin Enclosures and provides enclosures for applications worldwide.
The joys of Jim’s life he most talked about were family, playing golf, flying his airplane, and most of all Austin Enclosures. He looked forward to his weekly gin rummy games and returning to Albemarle each year to play golf with his high school friends.
Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Georgia Beaver Austin; and his sisters, Christine Austin Ritchie, Maudine Austin Pickler, and Bernice Austin Jones, as well as his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra Regina Austin; his five children, Karen Austin Johnson (Ken), James Robert Austin, III (Beth), George Kevin Austin (Cindy), Sandy Austin Hunt (Dwayne) and Kristie Faye Austin; and bonus children, Chantelle Gonzalez (Mario) and Catina Summerhill (Corey). He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, four bonus grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.
Special thanks to Pam and Alice (his caregivers) and to Hospice of Greensboro.
There will be no formal services at this time.
In lieu of flowers, the following were Jim’s favorite charities; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), Shriners Children’s Hospital (www.shrinerschildrens.org), or AuthoraCare Collective Hospice of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, N.C. 27405.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com for the Austin family.
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