James Emil Petsch

1943 - 2025

James Emil Petsch entered the gates of Heaven on August 5, 2025, at the age of 82. He was born on January 15, 1943, in Keidel Hospital in Fredericksburg, Texas, to Ewald Henry and Aurelia Jenschke Petsch and was raised in the Morris Ranch community and Stonewall.

James is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joyleen (Joy) Birck Petsch.

Two sons and their spouses: Heath (Lisa) Petsch, and Shannon (Jennifer) Petsch, both of Fredericksburg.

Daughter-in-law, Kay Petsch of Fredericksburg.

He was a loving grandfather of eight grandchildren and spouses: Justin Petsch, Krystin Petsch, Rusty (Alyssa) Petsch, Dusti (Clayton) Godwin, Sarah (Devon) Castaneda, Casey (Brandon) Robledo, Dominick (Kalyn) Petsch, Quentin (fiancé Abbey Spence) Petsch, as well as six great-grandchildren: Mason, Yesac, Harper, Waylon, Wyatt, and Juniper.

Two brothers: Wayne and Judy Petsch of Stonewall and Lester Petsch of Florence, Texas.

Sister-in-law: Christa, Mrs. Leon Petsch, of Stonewall

Sister-in-law: Doris, Mrs. Dennis Schneider, of Fredericksburg

Sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Sharon and Perry Wanner, of Harper.

Along with his parents, James was preceded in death by his son, Allen Petsch, and two brothers, Myron and Leon Petsch.

James grew up farming and ranching in the Morris Ranch community and attended Morris Ranch School. When he was ten years old, his family moved to the family ranch in Stonewall, where James attended the Lower South Grape Creek School and Stonewall School. He then attended St. Mary's High School and was a proud graduate of the Class of 1962.

James met the love of his life at a party when he was partnered with Joyleen Birck for a friendly Go Fish card game. They were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church on September 5, 1964. Over the years, they raised three sons at their family home on Mistletoe Street while spending many a weekend at the family ranch in Stonewall either hunting, farming, ranching or making sausage. In 1999, James and Joy finally moved into their home at the ranch where they were happy playing pinochle and entertaining family and friends through the years.

James had many jobs throughout his life. He retired from the National Guard after serving for 30 years, 3 months, and 3 days. He worked for Mooney Aircraft in Kerrville, Goodyear, Behrends Ford, and the City of Fredericksburg while working numerous side jobs at the same time. His favorite job was the Greens Superintendent for the golf course for the City of Fredericksburg. Some of his side jobs included setting up TV antennas, working for the Gillespie County Fair Grounds, Stonewall Chamber of Commerce, Vogel Peach Orchard, and Stonewall Smokehouse. James retired from the Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire Department and then continued to serve in the Stonewall Volunteer Fire Department.

James especially loved helping his community by supporting the Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire Department, Stonewall Volunteer Fire Department, Gillespie County Country Schools, St. Mary's School, and St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church by making barbecue and frying fish. James was very family-oriented and loved playing a game of pinochle at family gatherings. He loved the outdoors, hunting, making sausage, playing pinochle, drinking Lone Star Light, his 1963 Chevy Impala (his first brand new car), his dad's treasured Allis-Chalmers tractor, a great party, Elvis Presley, and everything John Wayne. We know in our hearts James is enjoying a cold Lone Star Light and winning a game of pinochle with double pinochle.

A Mass of Resurrection was celebrated on Tuesday, August 12, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Rev. Phil Henning officiating. Pallbearers were Justin Petsch, Rusty Petsch, Brandon Robledo, Clayton Godwin, Dominick Petsch and Quentin Petsch.

Graveside services and entombment with military honors followed in St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum.

Rosary services were held on Monday, August 11, at 5 p.m. in the Chapel of Schaetter Funeral Home, led by the St. Thomas Men's Group.

Visitation for James Petsch was held on Monday, August 11, from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. in the Chapel of the Schaetter Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Stonewall Volunteer Fire Department, Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire Department, St. Mary's Loving Care, or to the charity of your choice.

The family wishes to thank Hill Country Methodist Hospice for all their loving care in James's final days.

The Funeral Mass was Livestreamed and can be viewed at www.fbg.live/schaetters

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to www.schaetter.com

Arrangements under the direction of Schaetter Funeral Home, Fredericksburg, Texas.