Great service by James at the Customer Service counter today February 11, 2018, after being told that we were not going to get on our next flight (missed original because of baggage check in time). We're put on stand by. Told flight was full originally and would have to pay at least $250 minimum to get some sort of connecting flight to Ohio from Phoenix. Went over to Customer Service, explained to James we did not want to miss the funeral (wife's mother) we were trying to attend. When it was all said and done she was confirmed on the flight. (Life bereavement). I was first on the list for stand by. We were pleased by the service and professionalism by James. Customer service for American Airlines customers. Pleased and happy in spite of the circumstances for flying to Ohio.