James Henry Nowak, 24, died in his sleep June 29, 2025, after many years of seizures.
He was born in Schenectady, New York, on December 4, 2000, to Margaret O'Rourke Nowak and Daniel Nowak.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 17 from 5-8 p.m. at the Klein Funeral Home, 16131 Champion Forest Drive, Spring, TX.

A funeral Mass will take place Friday, July 18 at 11 am at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 7810 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX

James attended special education classes at Klein Oak High School, and received a Certification of Completion in 2019. He was a longtime volunteer for his neighborhood's Little Free Library program, helping his mother to tidy up the shelves and stock books.

James spent 10 years in the SIRE Therapeutic Horsemanship program. He was calm and capable in the saddle, and worked on grooming and feeding the horses. He loved taking trips to the laundromat, the grocery store, and sifting wet sand through his fingers at the Galveston beaches.
James will be remembered for his "gentle giant" spirit, and his unfailing willingness to have someone teach him a new job. He worked hard at gardening, food preparation, and document shredding. He was happy to take out the trash, put clothes away, and sweep acorns off the sidewalk.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by brothers Joseph and Anthony Nowak (Natalie); grandmother Rita Nowak of Indianapolis; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless kind people everywhere.

Donations in James' memory can be directed to SIRE, Inc. PO Box 924057, Houston, TX  77292. https://sire-htec.org/donation-page/