He enlisted on April 13, 1956 in the US Army where he worked his way up through the ranks and retired as an E-8 (TOP) Drill Sargent. He loved seeing his country. He met his wife Brunhilde on Fort Hood where they both worked and were married January 29, 1983. They had 8 wonderful years together before her passing.
After he retired from the Army, he worked for Centex Periodicals and drove a school bus for the Copperas Cove School District.
Later in life he would volunteer at the VFW # 3393 in Kempner where he was a lifetime member. His time at the VFW was spent working with the children’s programs and cooking meals in the kitchen for holidays and special occasions. Jim was also a lifetime member of the American legion and the DAV both in Copperas Cove.
One of the highlights of his life was when he and his wife Jeri were named Mr. & Mrs. VFW.
He also did a lot of woodworking for the post such as the 8’ heart for the Valentines party.
Jim and Jeri have enjoyed traveling and Jim has traveled to every state in the US. They have been on numerous cruises from Alaska to the Caribbean. Over the years they have taken many trips with their grandchildren, which brought him great joy.
Jim is one of thirteen children and was processed in death by his parents Ernest and Mereda, his wife Brunhilda and siblings, Clifford, William, Richard and Ronald Jeske, Avonne Zander, Edith Bartlett, Betty LaFountain.
He is survived by his wife Jerri and siblings Donna Mulch, Rose Leavitt, Joyce Tait, Patricia Caspary, and Jack Jeske. His children Michael Kunzler, Linda and David Cadenas, Brenda and Russell Jackson, Connie and James Douthit, Jimmy and Laura Edwards, Kenny and Lise Edwards and Kenny Reavis. Jim also has 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim truly gave of himself to help others
Arrangements are being handled by Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18