James "Jim" Grabowski

James David Grabowski, 91, of Weatherford, Texas, formerly of Chandler, Texas, passed away on September 24, 2025. He was born on January 20, 1934, in Brownsville, Texas, to Anthony Thomas Grabowski and Diana (Moudre) Grabowski.
Jim graduated from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School in Pharr, Texas. He went on to attend Texas College of Arts and Industries in Kingsville, Texas for two years before being drafted into the U.S. Army. He served proudly for two years in Germany before being honorably discharged so that he could return home to help his family and work with his dad in the oil fields of South Texas. After his service, Jim resumed his education and graduated from Pan American College in Edinburg, Texas, with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He went on to build a successful career in the finance industry, with more than 30 years of experience.
While working at Commercial Credit in San Antonio, Jim met the love of his life, Betty June Terrell. They were married on July 4, 1963, and together they raised two children, Valerie and David.
Growing up in South Texas, Jim spent countless hours fishing, developing a lifelong love for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Over the years, he shared this passion with his children and grandchildren, teaching them how to fish and passing down a love for the outdoors and time spent together by the water. He was an avid gardener, well known for his large gardens, always sharing produce with family and friends. His love of the soil grew into a passion for cultivating grapes, leading him to establish a nursery and vineyard where he raised a variety of grapes and supplied cuttings to vineyards across the United States. In doing so, he played a meaningful role in promoting and supporting the growth of the Texas grape and wine industry. Jim also cherished traveling with his wife, as well as with his children. In their retirement years, Jim and June treasured many trips and adventures together, exploring new places and creating lasting memories with family and friends. While he found joy in fishing, gardening, and grape growing, his greatest joy was always the time he spent with June and his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered for his generosity, kind and giving heart, calm demeanor, empathy, quick wit, and his "big teddy bear" presence.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 56 years, June; his sister, Helen Faulkner; and three brothers, Bob Grabowski, Jackie Grabowski, and George Grabowski.
He is survived by his daughter, Valerie Osterhoudt; his son and daughter-in-love, David and Traci Grabowski; his grandchildren, Ashley Holder and husband Gary, Austyn Grabowski and wife Riley, and Grace Osterhoudt; and his great-grandchildren, AvaClaire Holder, Bryndle Holder, and Ellie Grabowski, all of Weatherford. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will deeply miss him.