James “Batch” Byron Batchelder, age 89, passed away on February 8, 2019. Batch was born in Fargo, North Dakota on April 18, 1929. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Batch proudly served his country in Air Force for 28 years. During his time in the military, Batch met and married his first wife, Edith, and had four children.
A lover of music, dancing and laughter, Batch exuded joy and an excitement for life. During his military service, which took him all over the world, he made it a point to establish or join the choir at the Catholic church wherever he was stationed.
A devout member of the Catholic church, Batch naturally directed the choir at many of the churches he attended, including the St. Pius X in San Antonio in the late 70’s, where he met and married his beloved Mary Therese. Batch and Mary enjoyed the sun, sand, and water - and spent most of their lives making memories and music together with the waves in the background.
Batch was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Olivia Batchelder; his wife Mary; his siblings Earl and Wanda; children James Michael Batchelder, Stephanie Batchelder and Mary Looper; grandson Joshua Batchelder.
He is survived by Gail Batchelder-Sutter, John B. Batchelder (Kathi), Robin M. Martin (Curtis), Cindy Ramu, Shelly Lee, Ray Urbach (Melissa), and David Urbach (Michele). Grandchildren: Sara Batchelder, Eric Roberson, Clay, Josh, Lisa, Sarah, Tamra, Elizabeth, Mike, Carlton and Hunter; and great-grandchildren: Olivia, Evan, Shaleese, Araya, Lindley, Jake, Tayden, Laylee and Savannah.
A Memorial Mass will be held Friday, February 22nd at 9:15 am at St. Pius X Catholic Church; 3303 Urban Crest; San Antonio, TX 78209. Burial with Military Honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 10:30 am.
