James R Dretzka

He graduated from South Oak Cliff High School and went on to enlist in the United States Army. After leaving the military, Jim attended Southern Methodist University, graduating with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in 1976.

James began working in City Utilities, first in East Texas. He later moved to Dallas to work in the Water Department. He retired from the City of Dallas Water Department in 2004 after being employed there for more than thirty years.

After moving back to Dallas, Jimmy met the love of his life, Barbara, and the two married on February 14, 1989 in Crowley, Texas. They would go on to spend 36 beautiful years together.

In his spare time, James enjoyed going to places like Neon Cowboy. He was a bit of a barfly who loved dancing, and charming the other patrons. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, fishing and hunting .

He is preceded in death by his parents: Ralph and Virginia Dretzka; his aunts, Lenora Morrell and husband Dave and Beatrice Deen and husband Douglas; and his in-laws, Charles and Josephine Roberts.

James is survived by: his loving wife, Barbara Dretzka; daughters, Keri DeHerrera and husband Joshua, Lisa Roberts-Williams and husband John Gatus; furbabies, Tinker and Pixel; grandchildren, Cruz DeHerrera and Yvonne DeHerrera; siblings, Mary Lynne Taylor, Janet Crow, Bobby Dretzka, and Catherine Wilson; brothers-in- law, Phillip Roberts and wife Donna, Ronnie Roberts and wife Kay; sisters-in-law, Anita Headrick, Jan Garner and husband Glen, Rhonda Rivera and husband Elvis; numerous grand-furbabies, along with a host of other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.