Dr. James Joseph Hrachovy

Dr. James Joseph Hrachovy, affectionately known to his community as "Doc Rock," went to be with his Lord and Savior, on June 30, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by his compassionate care, deep faith, and enduring work ethic. Visitation with the family will be at Brenham Memorial Chapel will be on Friday, July 10, from 4 to 6:30 pm, followed by the rosary. On Saturday, July 11th, visitation at Saints Peter & Paul in Frelsburg, TX, will begin at 8:30 am, followed by the rosary at 9:30 am, funeral mass at 10 am, then the burial and a meal in the Diamond Center.

James was born in Sealy, Texas, on December 2, 1940, to Adolph and Lorena Hrachovy, but grew up in Bellville, Texas. During his younger years, James was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith. At the age of 16, he graduated from Bellville High School in 1957 as Valedictorian. James graduated from Texas A&M University in 1961, before earning a medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in 1965. Following his graduation, he served his country with distinction, training at Fort Sam Houston before completing a year of service in the demilitarized zone in Vietnam as a Major in the Army.

In 1969, James and his family settled in Brenham, Texas, where he began his long tenure as a family practitioner. Known for his genuine concern for every patient, he became a pillar of the community, serving as a public health officer, hospital board member, and as the dedicated team doctor for the Blinn College football team. His passion for teaching led him to share his expertise with the next generation of physicians beginning in 1992. He held faculty positions in the Departments of Family Medicine at the Texas Tech University School of Medicine in Lubbock and later the University of Texas Medical Branch in Beaumont and the Texas A&M Medical School in College Station.

In the late 1990s, James and his beloved wife of 60 years, Janie, moved to their farm just outside of Columbus, Texas. In his retirement, he continued to serve his neighbors part-time at the Columbus Clinic. Outside of his medical practice, James was a man of many talents, an avid gardener who could coax life from any soil, a lover of the outdoors including hunting and fishing, piano and organ musician, and a lifelong reader. His children and grandchildren will always remember the early mornings spent working alongside him on the farm, a testament to the incredible work ethic he modeled daily.

A devoted man of faith, James was a steadfast supporter of his church. He contributed countless hours to the Knights of Columbus, the Lent fish fry’s, and men's retreats at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Frelsburg, Texas.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Janie Hrachovy, on April 4, 2022, his sister, Elaine Pawlak, and his brother-in-law, Julian Pawlak. He is survived by his children, Cynthia Wallace (Tom), Susan Fenton, Julie Hrachovy, and Sara Wilkins; his grandchildren, AJ Fenton (Celena), Anna-Kate Hrachovy, Kierstin Wilkins, and Teag Wilkins; his brother, Rick Hrachovy (Cheryle); and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Servicing as pallbearers are Teag Wilkins, AJ Fenton, Dale Pawlak, Gregg Pawlak, Tom Wallace, Oscar Lopez, Donald Spiess, Johnny Willis, and Atwood Kenjura.

Honorary pallbearers will be Camp Ranch Hunters, Kenjura Coffee Table Group, and the Smitty’s Friday Morning Breakfast Group.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 1031 Church Ln, New Ulm, Texas; Brazos Valley Hospice, 302 E Blue Bell Rd, Brenham, TX 77833, or a charity of your choice.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.brenhammemorialchapel.com