James Batt was called home by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 26, 2026, entering into everlasting life. James' family and friends, spanning both sides of the Atlantic and reaching across the globe, will miss him deeply. All who knew him were fortunate to experience his remarkable warmth, charm, humility, and unwavering devotion to his family. A consummate English gentleman, gracious ambassador, devoted husband, and loving father, James carried himself with quiet dignity, kindness, and a gift for making every person feel valued. He possessed the rare ability to remain comfortable in uncomfortable circumstances and moved effortlessly between worlds — equally at ease hosting royalty and rock stars as he was sharing stories with tradesmen and staff. As Rudyard Kipling so perfectly described, James could "walk with Kings — nor lose the common touch."

Born in Harborough Magna maternity hospital near Rugby, James spent most of his youth in Warwickshire, England. His formative years were spent in Rugby, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for nature, hospitality, and people. He attended Tower Lodge in Rugby a couple of hundred yards from home, then off to Assumption House in Ramsgate, Kent, followed by Douai Abbey in Berkshire, and Brooke House in Market Harborough. He then attended Birmingham College of Food and Domestic Art.

As a young man, James felt most at home outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, shooting, photography, and birding — passions that remained with him throughout his life and later evolved into a deep love of wildlife photography and conservation.

After graduating from Birmingham College of Food and Domestic Art, James joined Trust House Forte, beginning what would become a distinguished international career in hospitality and hotel management. His career carried him around the world, from London to Riyadh and eventually to Dallas, where he met the love of his life, Angela "Angie" Leyendecker. Over the course of their nearly 44-year marriage, the couple built a remarkable life together residing in Dallas, Philadelphia, Toronto, Creemore, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, San Diego, and ultimately Houston, Texas, where much of Angie's family resided.

Along this extraordinary journey, James became a proud father with the birth of their son, Henry, in Singapore — one of the greatest joys and proudest accomplishments of his life.

While living on the island of Phuket, Thailand, James' leadership and character were tested during the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which claimed thousands of lives and brought unimaginable hardship to the region. During and after the tragedy, James demonstrated extraordinary servant leadership, compassion, and steadiness under pressure as he worked tirelessly to care for hotel guests, support staff, and assist the local community in rebuilding and healing.

After decades abroad as an international hotel executive, James and his family returned to their American home base in Houston so Henry could complete his education near extended family. Even then, James' passion for hospitality and leadership continued. He spent years traveling between Houston and Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula while managing the renowned Mayakoba Resort on the Riviera Maya. During this time, he further cultivated his passion for photography, publishing multiple books featuring the birds and natural beauty of Mayakoba. He especially enjoyed quietly stalking the waterways with a camera in hand or occasionally casting a fly to the small tarpon that swam among the cenotes and mangrove channels.

Following his final years in luxury hospitality, James transitioned to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, where his decades of experience caring for guests and creating memorable experiences translated naturally into his role as Director of Hospitality. There, he coordinated and hosted membership events, galas, donor gatherings, and board functions with the same grace, professionalism, and warmth that defined his entire career.

James was preceded in death by his father Peter Batt (17th February 2003), mother Jean Batt (29th May 2005), and brother Phillip (5th January 2021). Tragically, he was survived for only a brief few weeks by his beloved wife Angie, who herself lost a courageous battle with glioblastoma shortly after his passing..

He is survived by his devoted son, Henry Batt; brother Steven; Angie's loving family, including Douglas Leyendecker; Mike and Patricia Birchfield; Ernest and Elizabeth Leyendecker; Darrin and Jennifer Podeschi; and Kevin and Tiffany Leyendecker, along with their children — Henry's cherished cousins.

Kind, humble, generous, and endlessly gracious, James was always the consummate host. More importantly, he was a man of integrity, compassion, and quiet strength whose presence brought comfort and joy to those around him. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched around the world and in the family he loved so dearly.

A service honoring James will be held on June 11 at St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. A light reception will follow.