James G. Bethke

James G. Bethke passed away on July 14, 2016, after a valiant fight, resulting from complications due to surgery. He was born in Bartlett, Texas on March 6, 1936 to Walter and Amalia (Pillack) Bethke. James grew up in Austin. He attended Concordia Lutheran High School and upon graduation entered the U.S. Army. James was stationed in Friedburg, Germany where he met and would later marry his “Fraulein”, Linda. James and Linda have two daughters, Linda and Barbara, and three grandchildren, Matthew, Rebecca, and Hannah-with whom he shared a special bond.

For 50 years, James owned and operated Bethke Brake Service in downtown Austin, which was previously owned by his father. He witnessed unimaginable changes and growth in Austin. Back in the day, James was very involved in the Austin community. He was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, the Chamber of Commerce, President of the Independent Garagemens Associations of Austin and Texas, leader of Boy Scout Troop 13, and President of the Board of Directors of the American Credit Union. He, along with his daughter Barbara, was an active member of the Elgin Lost Pines Riding Club. During those years many weekends were spent hauling Barbara to rodeos.

In 1984, James and Linda built their dream house in Elgin where he lived until his death. After moving to Elgin they became active members of Grace Lutheran Church. James was very conservative in his religious and political views and not ashamed to let anyone know it. He always had a great story to tell. He loved his A&M Aggie football team and never missed a big game.

Left to grieve the loss of our Husband, Daddy, Opa, and Brother are his wife, Linda Bethke; daughters, Linda (Darwin) Misselhorn and Barbara (Leland) Froemling; grandchildren, Matthew (Melissa) Misselhorn, Rebecca Gibson and Hannah Misselhorn; sisters, Bernice Britton, Gladys Lewis and LaNell (Luther) Dube; many nieces and nephews; extended family, Dr. Gordon White, Sam and Louie DelleFave; and many others who he loved as family.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Amalia Bethke; sister, Edna Steglich; brother, Monroe Bethke; and grandson-in-law, Robert Gibson.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00AM Saturday July 23, 2016 at Grace Lutheran Church, 801 W. 11th Street, Elgin, TX.

We would like to thank the nurses of the ICUs at St. David’s Hospital and Cornerstone Hospital where James spent the last six weeks of his life. He was treated with dignity and respect and he and our family were shown much kindness and caring. Also, special thanks to Dr. Gordon White, Pastor Carl Roth and Sam DelleFave for their many visits, love, support and compassion shown to us.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, ASPCA, or Grace Lutheran Church.

Arrangements entrusted to Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home