James Delphine Raska

James Raska, 82, joined his Lord on January 26, 2020, surrounded by his loving family. James was very proud to have accepted the precious gift of salvation from Jesus Christ on January 13, 2020.

A memorial service for James will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at Champion Fellowship Church, with Pastor Tim Webb officiating.

James Delphine Raska was born on August 21, 1937, to parents Joe Raska Sr. and Elsie (Pilchek) Raska. He grew up in Latium on the family farm with his four brothers. He attended County Line School in the Latium community. After leaving school, James began work as a roofer. He was employed by Brenham Roofing, Cook Sheet Metal, and at times he was self-employed. On July 11, 1966, James was united in marriage to Vivian Lea Palash at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. They made their home in the Brenham area and raised their son, Shannon, and daughter, Tina.

James was an avid hunter, hunting coyotes and sometimes deer. He raised Walker Hounds for all of his life, and was very knowledgeable on the subject. He especially enjoyed raising the puppies and training them to hunt. James and son Shannon enjoyed many hunting trips together. James was a long-time member of the Texas State Fox and Wolf Hunter Association.

James was a hard worker who never fully retired. His favorite construction projects were always building homes, especially with his son-in-law Stacey.

Although James could be gruff, he had a softer side – he was “Popo” to three special grandkids, who he loved spending time with. He was very supportive of his grandkids and never missed a ballgame. James enjoyed spending time with family, cooking and making sausage, or raiding the cupboards for sweet treats (especially homemade kolaches!).

James enjoyed staying informed on current events, and was always listening to KWHI or watching Fox News. He was a proud Trump supporter and could often be seen in his “Make America Great Again” hat. James was also a long-time fan of the Brenham Cubs and Burton Panthers.

James’ surviving loving family includes: wife of over 50 years, Vivian; son, Shannon Raska; daughter Tina Roehling (husband Stacey); grandchildren, Addie, Kyler, and Braden Roehling; and numerous nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.

James is preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers Leonard, Joe Jr., August, and A.R. Raska.

Honorary Pallbearers are special friends JB and Diane Bridges, Christina Lachie, Donna Coneley, Dustin Schulze, Trent Loper, Charlie Janes, and Mike and Hattie Raska.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the numerous doctors and nurses who cared for James during his health struggles; in particular, Dr. Marcel Lechin, and Drs. Bill Ray and Jacquelyn Covington. If you would like to make a contribution in memory of James, please consider a donation to Hospice Brazos Valley, who provided James with such excellent care in his final days.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Tributes may be shared at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.