James Pierce Holbrook passed from this life to his eternal home on Friday, February 11, 2022. James was born on November 4, 1934 in Fairland, TX to Alva Pierce Holbrook and Lillian Marie (Whitehead} Holbrook. Because both of his parents were deaf mutes, James and his siblings, along with their mother, lived with his maternal grandparents, Henry and Annie Whitehead.
In 1957, James married Joan Elaine Bird in Austin, TX. Together they raised four children: Diana Marlene (Holbrook) Henderson, James Aaron "Stoney" Holbrook, Susan Marie (Holbrook} Minton and Jason Ellis Holbrook.
James graduated from High School in Flat, TX in 1952. In September of 1954, he entered the United States Air Force at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX. His service in the Air Force took him to numerous countries and military bases. Due to James's love of planes and flying he spent most of his time in the Air Force as an Inflight Refueling Tech (A Boom Operator) After completing just over twenty-four years of military service James retired in 1979 as a Master Sgt. Finishing his military career at Carswell Air Force Base in Ft. Worth, TX.
After his retirement from the USAF James and Elaine moved their family back home to Burnet where they could help with the care of their mothers. James obtained his Real Estate Associate license and later his Broker's license. He spent many years as a successful real estate agent, selling homes and ranches in the Burnet County area.
In 1993, James was elected as Burnet County Commissioner Precinct 1 and served in that position for eight years. James was an endowed member of the Masonic Lodge. He was first raised on December 8, 1971, Prospect Hill Lodge #1247. In 1983, he was affiliated with Valley Lodge #175 where he received his endowed membership on July 7, 1992. He served in many positions in the Masonic lodge but was proudest of serving as their District Deputy in 2012. James was invited into the order of the Eastern Star in 1986 were he also held many positions including Worthy Patron in 1988.
James was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Burnet on April 27, 1980.
Throughout his life, James wore a black cowboy hat, boots and a big mustache. He loved animals, raising and racing horses, riding bulls and motorcycles, hunting and fishing. He was always bringing home stray dogs and cats, even orphaned wildlife. He enjoyed growing vegetables, a good game of dominoes, roping anything that didn't stand still (including his, co-workers, kids and grandkids) and telling tall tales. He never met a stranger.
James was preceded in death by his youngest son, Capt. Jason E. Holbrook, US Army (2010), father Alva Holbrook (1965), mother Marie Holbrook (1994), sister Virginia (Holbrook) Fry (2021), Brother Carl "Buck" Holbrook (2010).
He is survived by his wife of more than 64 years Elaine Holbrook, daughters Diana M. Henderson and husband Ronnie, Susan M. Minton and husband Tony, son James A. "Stoney" Holbrook and wife Teresa, daughter in law Heather {Harper) Holbrook.
Grandchildren; Stacey L. (Henderson) Schendel and husband Chad, Ronald J. Henderson and wife Stephanie, Elizabeth A. (Holbrook) Robitalle and husband Patrick, Justin P. Holbrook, Ty F. Holbrook, Kelley S. Minton, Kimberly M. Minton, John A. Minton.
Great Grandchildren: Clayton, Cailyn and Caylie Schendel, Hannah, Wyatt and Molly Henderson, Kelly, Ashton and Kyle
Mobley.
Visitation will be held, Wednesday, February 16, 2022 5-7 pm Clements Wilcox Funeral Home, Burnet, TX
Funeral Service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Bertram, TX, Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 11am following with the burial at the Holbrook Family Cemetery located in the Sage Community, Burnet County, TX
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ClementsWilcoxBurnet.com for the Holbrook family.
