Major Jimmie Casias, U.S. Army Retired

Visitation will be held at Sunset North Funeral Home, 910 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, TX 78232, on March 29, 2026, beginning at 4:30 pm, with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. The family invites guests to stay following the ceremony for a catered reception from 7:30 - 9:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at Coker Methodist Church, 14630 Wurzbach Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78216, on March 30, 2026, beginning at 11:00 am with Reverend Adam Knight of CMC officiating. A reception will be held at the church before we depart in procession at 1:00 pm for a Committal Service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, TX 78209, beginning at 1:45 pm.

Jimmie was born in Von Ormy, Texas to Santiago and Amelia Casias on February 9, 1937. His father moved the family to Somerset, Texas in 1940. He graduated high school there in 1955. He went on to earn a degree in Business from Our Lady of the Lake University. Jimmie joined the 36 Infantry Texas National Guard in 1956 and started Army active duty in 1960. He served in South Korea, Ft Hood, and Ft Richardson , Anchorage Alaska. In 1964, Jimmie was commissioned as a 2nd Lt in the infantry branch. After completion of Airborne school in 1967, he went to Vietnam as platoon leader in A Co, 2nd Bn 8th Infantry, 4th Inf Div. From Vietnam, he completed Helicopter training. He then had a tour in South Korea as an aviation flight commander. After 24 years of military service, Major Jimmie Casias retired on October 31, 1980.

The year before he retired, Jimmie purchased a ranch outside of Somerset where he and his family raised Red Brangus cattle and became active in the church, school district and community events.

After his retirement, Jimmie continued to be active in veteran activities and joined the Alamo Silver Wings Airborne Association. Silver Wings is an organization that continues the Airborne and Air Assault tradition by working with the community, living the military tradition, and helping other troopers from all military units. Jimmie enjoyed going to parades in small towns and eating tacos with his friends.

In 1982, Jimmie started Casias Oil Well Services, Inc. providing oil services and drilling oil wells. He drilled wells on his father’s property and on our ranch. Services he provided included fracking and rust about services.

In 1987, Jimmie and his wife Rachel, created Area Social Services in Somerset, Inc. (ASSIST). ASSIST was founded because the American Legion Hall was not a suitable location to provided senior services in the community. This included the building of a community center, daily meals for seniors, a daycare facility, a multi-purpose facility, and were instrumental in bringing a Texas Department of Human Services building and programs in Somerset. Assist was pivotal in creating the Somerset Veterans Memorial honoring the men and women from the community who have served our country.

Jimmie was also very active with the Somerset ISD and served as President of the School Board in 1992. He believed in education and opportunity for every child. His commitment to education was also reflected in his creating the districts Mariachi in 1998. Mariachi Azul Real is now a nationally recognized program that continues to perform the music he loved.

In 2002, he brought ROTC to the district. Jimmie felt that minority students should have an opportunity to learn about military service opportunities that could help them succeed in life. Jimmie and Rachel supported the ROTC students by offering scholarships each year, participating in pass in reviews, parades, fundraising and any help the programs required.

Jimmie’s awards include:

• The Bronze Star Medal (Combat Medical Badge)

• The Meritorious Service Medal

• The Air Medal for heroic action while participating in aerial flight

• The Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service

• The Army Commendation Meds for meritorious achievement, and

• Numerous other military badges, community awards and citations.

Jimmie is preceded in death by his father and mother, Santiago and Amelia Casias, his eldest son Jimmie Jr., his brothers David, Rudy, and Joe.

Jimmie is survived by his wife of 68 years, Rachel, his son, Charles Edward Casias, his daughter, Mary Elizabeth Jensen, son-in-law Terry Jensen, and his daughter Deborah Jean Loveland. He is also survived by his grandchildren Wesley Jensen and his wife Katelyn Martinez, Jason Jensen, Elena Raquel Loveland, Amelia Alice Loveland, and his great grandson, Cole Jensen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Somerset High School ROTC or Mariachi organizations at 7650 S. Loop 1604 W. Somerset, Texas 78069 mailing address. Please note on your gift which organization you are supporting. Condolences may be left in Jimmie’s name online guestbook below.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Vitas Hospice, Visiting Angels, Coker United Methodist Church, family, and friends for their support and loving kindness.