JAMES HARBICH
1951-2022
James Patrick Harbich, 71, of Mentz, Texas, passed away on October 28, 2022, in his home in Mentz, Texas.
He was born on February 26, 1951, to Eugene Joseph Harbich and Jocelyn Adeline (Hennecke) Harbich in El Campo, Texas, and moved to Mentz at the age of five.
He attended Bernado School and then graduated from Columbus High School in 1969. He attended Blinn College, transferring to Texas A & M and graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics in 1973. He later attended Wharton County Junior College to study Electronics Technology.
On May 25, 1979, he married Janice Sue Watson while working in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They moved to Texas in 1984.
James worked as a hay farmer and electronics technician for many years. He also raised parrots for a number of years.
He was a member of St. Roch Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus in Mentz. James was a former Boy Scouts of America Scout Master, a member of the Civil Air Patrol, and former member of Bernardo Fire Department. He was also a former music director for the men’s ACTS retreat.
James enjoyed playing the guitar and performing with a local band of friends and at ACTS retreats. He liked playing dominoes with his friends. He drove his Harley earlier in life. He took pride in working on his farm equipment. His real joy was spending time with his family and engaging with his grandchildren.
James is survived by his wife of forty-three years, Janice Harbich; daughter, Angela Diane Struble and her husband Craig; sons, Clayton James Harbich and his wife Stephanie, and Jacob Joseph Harbich; sisters, Marilyn Harbich and Dianna Harbich Shalin and her husband Steve; brother, Andrew Paul Harbich; grandchildren, Sarah Marie Harbich, Haley James Harbich, Kinsley Diane Struble, Hayes Louis Struble, and Austin James Struble; sisters-in-law, Teresa Harbich, Pam Bogue and husband Otis, and Paula Watson; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Harbich and Jocelyn Harbich; and brother, Charles Eugene Harbich.
Visitation was held on Tuesday, November 1, 2022, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas, and at the church on Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m.
Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 10 a.m. at St. Roch Catholic Church in Mentz, Texas. Deacon Chuck Glynn officiated. Burial took place in St. Roch Catholic Cemetery in Mentz, Texas.
Pallbearers were Craig Struble, Hank Barger, Steve Anderson, Roscoe Truchard, Chuck Hall, and DeWayne Lanier. Honorary pallbearers were Daryl Hill, Dene Foye , Richard Struble, Otis Bogue, and Anthony Rodriguez.
Memorials may be given to Bernardo Volunteer Fire Department, 2845 FM 949, Cat Spring, Texas, 78933 or St. Roch Catholic Church, 1600 Frelsburg Rd., Alleyton, Texas, 78935. Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.