James Peter Schenk

"If you're gonna kick the bucket, you better do it on a Friday so we don't have to miss any work." Living up to his famous words, James P. Schenk passed away while holding the hand of his daughter on Friday, November 14, 2014 in Dripping Springs, Texas.

Born, May 4, 1937 on a farm in Browerville, Minnesota, he was a charter member of America's Silent Generation. Growing up with 2 sisters and 3 brothers, Jim quickly learned that life was about working hard and appreciating the simple things.

Although born a Yankee, he was a southern gentleman at heart. Raised with a sense of tradition and respect, he embodied chivalry, integrity, and the value of always wearing clean underwear.

At age 15, his smitten bride asked him to the Sadie Hawkins dance, and the rest was a lifelong commitment to a partnership full of adventures, love, loyalty, and respect. A true American and dedicated veteran, he served in the Minnesota National Guard and United States Army. He moved to Austin, Texas and established Butler Plumbing Inc. in 1977 with his best friend, Dick Butler. Soon after, in 1981, he co-founded Central Texas Refuse with close family and friends.

In 2003, Jim and Loretta ventured from the city out to the hill country of Dripping Springs to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Never missing a basketball game, volleyball match, livestock show, or golf tournament he demonstrated the dedication and love he had for his family. A lifetime spent as a trusted business partner, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, he left his family with a legacy of humility, integrity, generosity, and impeccable sense of humor and intense sarcasm.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Loretta Schenk, children Scott Schenk and Michelle Williams, along with their spouses Dawn Schenk and Troy Williams, his grandchildren: Jason, Ashley, Courtney, Danielle, Josi, Jessica, James, 7 great-grandchildren and 1 spunky grand-dog.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Monday, November 17, 2014 with a Rosary at 7:00 P.M. at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, 26160 Ranch Road 12, Dripping Springs with Father Charlie Garza, Celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like contributions to be made in Jim's memory to St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church Food Bank.