James Russel “Tiny” Han, 54, of Justin, Texas, passed away at his home on August 30, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with ALS.

James was born on July 14, 1972, in Jackson, Michigan, to Linda and Jae Han. When he was three years old, his family moved to Sarasota, Florida, before eventually settling in Justin, Texas, where James spent the remainder of his childhood. Each place became part of his story, but Texas became home and played an important role in shaping the intelligent, independent, hardworking man he would become.

From an early age, James possessed a remarkable intelligence and an eagerness to understand the world around him. He found both challenge and opportunity through TAMS, an accelerated college program that allowed him to graduate from high school at only 16 years old. He went on to attend college, but soon made the decision to leave and search for his own direction. James was never content simply following a path because it was the one expected of him. He needed to understand things for himself, form his own perspective, and determine what kind of life he wanted to build.

That independent path eventually led James through several jobs and experiences before he began what would become a long and accomplished career with American Airlines. Over the years, he served in numerous positions and continued to develop professionally, ultimately becoming a Senior Information Security Engineer.

James took genuine pride in his work, but his career was never only about a title or technical accomplishments. The people around him mattered. He believed leadership required both strength and humility—the ability to guide others while remaining willing to be coached, challenged, and taught. He understood that the best leaders never stopped learning. As he grew, he made a point of helping others grow with him. Coworkers could rely on James for knowledge, direction, honesty, and support. He looked after those around him professionally and took seriously the responsibility of being someone others could depend upon.

That sense of responsibility was at the center of who James was in every part of his life. Above all his other accomplishments, he was proudest of being a father. He was a consistently present figure in the lives of his sons and the people closest to him. His strength was not distant or abstract; it was something he offered freely whenever someone needed it. Whether the moment called for advice, protection, encouragement, a listening ear, or simply the reassurance of his presence, James could be counted on.

He led his family through example. He believed people should work hard for what they wanted and for what they needed. He believed in truth and honesty, even when they were uncomfortable. He believed in treating others not merely as well as one would hope to be treated, but better. Most of all, he demonstrated that strength comes with responsibility. To be strong, in James’s eyes, meant being dependable. It meant remaining steady when others needed support and continuing to show up, day after day, regardless of the circumstances.

Known as “Tiny” to most, James had a presence that made people feel welcome. He was open about who he was and never felt the need to present a false version of himself. Although he was thoughtful about whom he allowed into the deepest parts of his life, he did not reserve his kindness only for that close circle. If someone was in need, James made room for them. Those fortunate enough to know him well found a man who was dependable, strong, honest, generous with his perspective, and always willing to help someone better understand the things happening around them.

James also had an unmistakable sense of humor. He enjoyed “rage-baiting” the people around him—playfully taking a position, stirring up a debate, or saying exactly the right thing to get a reaction. He knew how to push someone’s buttons, often with a grin and for his own amusement. That mischievous humor became one of the many ways he connected with people, and it will remain one of the things his family and friends miss most.

His interests were as varied as his abilities. James was an avid music fan and a motorcycle enthusiast who appreciated the freedom of a ride. He enjoyed video games, maintained saltwater fish tanks, and took comfort in the routines and familiar rhythms of home. He was very much a person of habit: waking at the same time, eating familiar foods, and faithfully taking care of the things that were his responsibility. Those routines reflected something deeper about James. Consistency was not simply a preference for him—it was one of his defining values.

James was also an amazing cook. Preparing food gave him a way to bring people together and care for the people he loved. His ideal day might begin with a motorcycle ride and end by returning to a clean home, pouring an old-fashioned, and having the freedom to spend the evening exactly as he pleased. Sometimes that meant cooking a meal for his family; other times, it meant settling in to watch one of his favorite shows. Happiness did not need to be complicated. It could be found in freedom, familiarity, good food, a comfortable home, and the company of the people he loved.

As a husband, James was strong, dependable, and present. He valued listening to his wife, Natalie, and understood that partnership required attention as much as action. As a father, he offered guidance at any moment and worked to set a moral example his children could carry forward. As a brother, friend, coworker, mentor, and loved one, he was someone whose presence made others feel steadier. He shared his knowledge and perspective when welcomed, not simply to prove what he knew, but because he genuinely wanted to help others understand, grow, and make better decisions.

When James was diagnosed with ALS, he faced an extraordinarily difficult fight. He fought hard and he fought for a long time. Yet even as the disease altered what he could do, he refused to let it alter who he was. ALS did not take away his humor, his honesty, his love for his family, or his instinct to remain present for others. He continued to be James: strong, consistent, welcoming, and unmistakably himself.

His endurance through that battle will remain part of his legacy, but James’s life was much larger than his illness. He should not be remembered only for the disease he fought, but for the life he built, the family he loved, the people he guided, the meals he prepared, the rides he enjoyed, the debates he playfully started, and the countless ordinary moments made more meaningful by his presence.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Linda and Jae Han. He is survived by his loving wife, Natalie Han; his sons, Alex and Ethan Han; his siblings, Anna and Tom Han; and his loved ones Jadin, Angellyn, Sophia, and Carley. He also leaves behind friends, colleagues, and others whose lives were strengthened by knowing him.

The lessons James gave those around him will continue through the people who loved him: tell the truth, work hard, remain consistent, welcome those in need, and understand that strength carries the responsibility to help others. His family will carry forward his honesty, his sense of responsibility, his many interests, and the example he set by continuing to stand strong in the face of hardship.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation on September 5, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors, 2025 West University Drive, Denton, Texas 76201. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors.

James Russel “Tiny” Han will be deeply missed, especially for the humor that made those around him laugh and the strength that made them feel safe. In the years ahead, he will be remembered as a man who remained dependable when life was difficult, who stayed true to himself, and who consistently showed up for the people he loved.

His was a life defined by strength, honesty, humor, and presence—and those qualities will continue to live on in everyone he helped, guided, welcomed, and loved.