Lakeland – James "Jimmy" Austin, 71, passed away December 30, 2023.

Jimmy was born in Amarillo, Texas on September 23, 1952. He worked as a forklift operator, and was a member of IATSE Local 835.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Christine "Chris" (nee Erickson) Austin; children, James Austin and Tiffany (Milos) Savic; grandchild, Madison James Savic; siblings, Clark, Tena, Bridget (Ewell) Carter; step siblings, Mary (Hector) Ramirez and Emily (James) Stafiej; his special sister in law and brother in law, Lynda and Tom Rumrill; multiple nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Rex; and step brothers, Melton and Paul.

Visitation will be Monday, January 8th from 5-8 pm at Gentry Morrison Southside Chapel, 1727 Bartow Road, Lakeland, FL. Services for Jimmy will be in Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.