James (Jimmy) William Roesler

James "Jimmy" William Roesler, 76, of Lampasas, passed away peacefully in his home after a morning of feeding and checking cows on May 29, 2023.

Jimmy was born November 29, 1946, in Houston, Texas to Helmuth and Lenora Roesler.  Growing up in north Harris County, Jimmy had one brother and three sisters who he always considered his best friends.  His love of horses started early when the Roesler family lived behind a man who raised Shetland ponies.  He spent a lot of time doing chores at the stables and riding the ponies, and he and his siblings spent all of their waking hours with neighborhood friends playing sandlot baseball and football.  Jimmy worked as a Houston Chronicle newspaper delivery boy for seven years too, and he bought his first car in 1964 - a Plymouth Valiant.  His siblings say "he thought he was hot stuff" cruising in his new car.

Jimmy graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1965 and then attended Texas A&M University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics in 1969.  While at Texas A&M, he was a proud member of Squadron Six for three years and moved up to First Wing Staff in the Fightin' Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets.  Upon graduation, he served his commitment in the US Army Reserves.  His office is a shrine to his days in College Station with his Senior boots and sword proudly on display.  His memories of camaraderie from his time in College Station have always been a forefront in stories he has passed down to his children and grandchildren.

After graduating from Texas A&M, Jimmy worked for the Texas Department of Agriculture, promoting Texas products for Texas Agricultural Products.  It is here he met the love of his life, Jean Wieser of Lampasas.  They were married November 12, 1977, at the home of Jean's parents, surrounded by close friends and family.  From that day on, the two of them were inseparable.  They built a life in Lampasas supporting the family business and made plans to start a family.  Their daughter Molly was born in December 1982, and shortly after Carrie was born in November 1983.  

Jimmy's number one priority has always been his family.  A devoted husband, loving son and brother, and an extremely committed father, he never missed a family gathering at holidays and loved them all dearly.  He supported his daughters in all of their endeavors.  He never missed an event, from stockshows and tennis to college graduation.  He took pride in his cattle and his girls enjoyed the show ring and experienced success with their Brahmans.  His commitment of support continued with his grandchildren Sydney, Vincent Shahan, and Henry Shahan.  He was their number one supporter and loudest Yell Leader.  Big Daddy and Gigi were in the stands for every game, event, or award ceremony that allowed an audience.

Jimmy was also the kindest, most generous man, and his smile would light up any room.  He would give the shirt off his back to a complete stranger.  His favorite time of year was Christmas.  Much to Jean's horror, the decorations went up long before Thanksgiving.  Many men in Lampasas have worked for and with Jimmy, and all would say that he was never afraid of hard work and was always there to help shoulder the load, or remind them that Bob Willis and The Texas Playboys music is still alive and well.  He could build or fix anything from just his imagination and usually had the materials on hand.  He was a joy to be around in every situation, and his smile and quick wit would lighten any mood.  There isn't enough space or time to say all that he has done for his family and friends.  If you knew Jimmy, we're sure you have heard one of his stories, some true, some not.  And we're sure that each of you have a story or fond memory of him of your own.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, Helmuth and Lenora Roesler, and his sister, Gloria Marien.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Roesler; daughters, Molly Lesley of Lampasas and Carrie Shahan (Ryan) of Lampasas; brother, Wayne Roesler (Sulane) of Cypress; sisters, Diane Romano (Michael) of Hockley and Donna Kern (Barry) of Tomball; sister-in-law, Mary Wieser of San Antonio; grandchildren, Sydney Lesley, Vincent Shahan and Henry Shahan, all of Lampasas.  He is also survived by seven nieces and nephews; 14 great-nieces and nephews, and one great-nephew on the way.

Visitation for Jimmy Roesler will be Friday, June 2, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Sneed-Carnley Funeral Chapel in Lampasas, Texas.  Services will be Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Episcopal Church of Lampasas, Texas.  A short reception will immediately follow the service in the Parish Hall of St. Mary's Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Lampasas County A&M Club, for the purpose of Aggie ring scholarships.  Donations can be sent to 101 E. 9th St., Lampasas, TX, 76550, Attn: Ryan Shahan.