James Elmer Wolfe

James Elmer Wolfe was born December 26, 1948 in Salida, Colorado. He moved to Bryan early in life and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1968. He was a member of the Texas National Guard Third Battalion 71st Airborne Brigade from 1968–1974.

He married the love of his life, Anne Patranella, on September 28, 1969. Jimmy and Anne started their family while in Bryan and 3 years later moved to Hearne, Texas where he worked for Central Freight Lines. The family then moved to Marshall, TX and Jimmy continued working for Central Freight Lines.

He was an entrepreneur to the core and always had his hand in multiple businesses and industries. It wasn’t long before they returned to Bryan and began multiple thriving businesses. He and Anne grilled burgers at Nuches Grocery with Gary and Laura. At Handi Drive In, Jimmy cooked delicious barbecue while also operating Rig Runner Express. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and would often cook and fundraise for St. Joseph and St. Anthony Catholic churches. Jimmy was always tinkering and could be found building something in his garage full of tools. The family owned multiple restaurants in the Central Texas area, and in 2005, he retired from the Dixie Cafe in Hearne.

It didn’t take long to determine retirement wasn’t for him so he decided to train college students to become bus drivers for Texas A&M. After 14 years, Jimmy decided he was ready to be a full time Paw Paw. The love he had for his family shined at ball games, award ceremonies and various celebrations cheering on his 9 beloved grandchildren. Jimmy’s legacy of love for his family and his marriage of 55 years to Anne will live on.

He is survived by his wife, Anne of Bryan; children, Cindy and Glenn Stolowski of La Vernia, Michael and Catherine of Georgetown, Mark and Dawn of Katy, Matt and Jo Beth of College Station; grandchildren, Kyle, Emily, Meagan, Travis, Abigail, Reid, Addyson, Claire and Stuart; sisters, Annette (Gary) Lamb and Joyce (Randy) Manly; mother-in-law, Lena Patranella; sister-in-law, Laura Wolfe; sisters/brothers-in-law, Teresa and Bobby Davis, Judi and Greg Haas and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, J.B. and Marjorie Wolfe; brother, Gary Wolfe; nephew, Joey Stafford; father-in-law, Frank Patranella and brother-in-law, Johnny Patranella.

A visitation for James will be held Tuesday, May 21, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM at Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1515 South College Avenue, Bryan, Texas 77801 with a recitation of the rosary at 6:30 PM. A mass of christian burial will occur Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 1:00 PM at St Anthony's Catholic Church, 401 S Parker Ave, Bryan, Texas 77803. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.