H. J. "Jim" Rosser

H.J. “Jim” Rosser, 92, of Kerrville, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2025, surrounded by family and friends.

Jim was a man of uncommon resolve. Whatever he set his mind to, he made real. From the football field with the Texas Longhorns to the skies as a Navy pilot, from flying for Braniff and teaching with American Airlines to real estate, ranching, auctioneering, woodworking, fishing, and RV’ing around the country with Nancy - he lived fully and purposefully.

Born in Miami, Oklahoma, but saying he “wanted to get to Texas as fast as I can,” Jim moved to Cleburne, Texas at just three weeks old. He had a lifelong kinship with animals and, at six years old, became known as the little boy who rode his horse to school. A proud Longhorn, he played on a full football scholarship and helped win the 1954 Cotton Bowl. As a naval aviator, he completed more than 100 carrier landings and once claimed the title of bucking bronco rodeo champ.

He and Nancy, his wife of 67 years, maintained a good-natured "divided household"—she a devoted Razorback fan, he a loyal Longhorn. They moved over 40 times during their marriage — often circling back to the same Kerrville neighborhood, where they lived in three different homes. Jim was a gifted storyteller, a man of purpose, and a lifelong learner who never met a stranger.

Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy Bodenhamer Rosser; his sons, Jim (Leanne) and Jack (Kim); grandchildren, Brooke Perkins (Garret), and Noah, Hannah, and Landon Rosser; great grandchildren, Nolan, Eli, and Saylor Perkins; step grandchildren include Chase, Samantha and Collin Jones; beloved niece and nephews, Ann, Jim, John, Bob and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence G. Rosser and Thelma Timmons Rosser; and his brother-in-law, Lee Bodenhamer.

Many thanks to the VA home health care, especially Irma Brizuela, Teresa Carter, and Cynthia Ornelas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made Kerrville VA Home health 3600 Memorial Blvd. Kerrville TX 78028 or Peterson Hospice (https://www.petersonhealth.com/services/hospice/donate-to-peterson-hospice/.

No services are planned.

Jim’s legacy is one of action and joy. He showed us that the best stories are not just wished for, they are lived.