In 1957, Bishop John Hines appointed a Commission on the Aged, which concluded that the Diocese had a very definite responsibility toward the establishment of a home to help meet the vastly growing needs of older people, whose greatest problems after physical health were economic security, emotional security, and housing suited to their needs.

The doors of St. James House were opened in 1960 on 10 wooded acres in Harris County near Baytown off I-10, accommodating 56 ambulatory residents needing only minimum care. In 1972 a nursing wind added 26 more beds.

During the 1980's, the Long Range Planning Committee of the Board (with valuable planning staff assistance of St. Luke's Hospital) spent two years evaluating the direction and future needs of St. James House. This resulted in the program we have today; the 1987 expansion of the base facility to 105 nursing residents, (Sheltered Care in Haven Hall) and the 1993 opening of Alexander Hall to provide 40 Independent Living Apartments for 60 residents. St. James House and Alexander Hall is a non-profit, 501 (c)(3) organization. St. James House is committed to providing the highest level of professional care in a warm, loving and Christian environment. We are blessed to have a dedicated staff of 145 employees. Most of them have served for many years, led by Mary E. Garcia, who has served as Executive Director since 1992.

Programs are offered to encourage individuals to remain independent of active, caring for themselves as well as they can. Dedicated to the mission of creating a loving and caring environment, St. James House is "The House that turned into a Home through loving care."