James Robert Houck

Ventura - James Robert Houck was born on December 26th, 1936 and passed December 8th, 2023 at home in Ventura, CA with family by his side. Jim battled with Louie Body Dementia until the end, always striving to be active and helpful around the house.

Jim was preceded in death by his brother Charlie and sisters Mary Lou, Julia and Evelyn. Jim is survived by his wife Nette, brother Bill, sons Rod and Rick, grandsons Josiah, Trenton, Dylan and Dustin, great grandchildren Samual, Damaris, Madelyn, Sophia, Rebecca and many nieces and nephews.

Jims family was from Kingfisher, Oklahoma. The Houck family came to California on a somewhat daunting trip that included stops to earn money for the trip or fix the family car.

The family settled in Ventura County. Jim went to grade school and junior high in Somis.

Jim attended Oxnard High School where he excelled in athletics. Jim competed in football, baseball, basketball, and track. One of his proudest moments in his life was running the 440 relay. Jim loved to tell stories of his experiences playing sports in high school and in college.

After college Jim even played some semi-pro baseball in Canada.

Jim came back to Ventura County and married his first wife, Gail Brown. Together they raised two sons.

Jim continued in sports playing fast pitch softball, coaching and taking up another sport. Golf.

Jim had several business ventures over the years and truly enjoyed being in business for himself. He felt the United States was built on Small Business.

Jim loved the Dodgers and talking about them anytime.

Politics and the Constitution was another topic that Jim enjoyed debating anytime. He considered himself a true patriot.

The most enjoyment Jim had though, was watching his grandsons' growing up and playing sports. Absolutely loved it!

Jim met Nette in 1991 and got married for the last time. Jim and Nette enjoyed more activities than can be named here. Some were hiking, dancing, cards, movies, camping and tennis.

One of the great traits about Jim was his sense of humor, his ability to laugh and truly enjoy life. He often laughed so hard he could not speak. Jim was truly positive. He believed in the possibilities, and always strove for better things. If you knew him, you felt valued by him because he really paid attention to whomever he was with. His interest in other people made him a great Brother, Friend, Dad, Grandpop and Uncle.

All in all, Jim was and through his surviving family a positive force on humanity.

A celebration of Jims' life will be held on Saturday, June 8th at 11 a.m. at the Pointsettia Pavilion in Ventura. For further info, contact Nette at (805) 290-3427