James Hering passed away unexpectedly at his home in Salado, Texas, on July 6, 2026, at the age of 70. He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie; his three children, Lauren, Paul, and Melissa; his son-in-law, Ben Williams; his beloved grandson, River; his mother, Leora Hering; and his brothers, Mike and Edward Hering.
James was born on May 27, 1956, in Rosebud, Texas, to Emil and Leora Hering. He was the middle of three sons. In high school, his talent as a trumpet player earned him an invitation to join The Gentres dancehall band. Over the years, he shared his gift of music at countless weddings, in church choirs, and at the annual Memorial Day service in Westphalia for more than thirty years.
James first met Debbie while playing with The Gentres. They were married for 46 wonderful years and shared 50 years of life and love in total. James was a devoted husband and a proud father who would do anything for his family. He always encouraged his children to chase their dreams, take chances, and believe in themselves. His kindness extended far beyond his own family—anyone who knew James knew he would lend a helping hand without hesitation.
James was a truly kind and generous soul whose greatest joy was nurturing and caring for others. He had a special gift for working with children and freely gave his time teaching religious education and serving as a Boy Scout leader for his son's troop. He took just as much pride in creating beauty at home, lovingly tending gardens and cultivating welcoming yards wherever he and Debbie lived. Whether he was sharing his time, knowledge, or talents, James gave wholeheartedly and made those around him feel cared for.
For many years, James built a respected career as a real estate broker and appraiser, earning the trust of clients and colleagues alike through his unwavering honesty, integrity, and meticulous attention to detail. He believed that every appraisal and every real estate transaction represented more than property—it represented people's homes, dreams, and futures. James approached his work with fairness, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others make informed decisions. His reputation was built not only on his expertise, but on the confidence people had that he would always do what was right, treating every client with the same care, respect, and sincerity that defined every aspect of his life.
James had a deep love for nature, animals, hunting, and fishing. In retirement, that appreciation grew into a passion for traveling the country with Debbie in their RV, exploring national parks and beautiful places across the United States. He especially loved sharing stories from their adventures—and was always happy to show pictures to anyone willing to look.
James was preceded in death by his father, Emil Hering; his father-in-law, Bob Kasberg; and his mother-in-law, Dolores Kasberg.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Belton, Texas, at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Burial at Bellwood Memorial Park will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the National Park Foundation in James's honor, or simply that you plan a trip with your loved ones to somewhere beautiful in nature—a place where you can appreciate God's creation, just as James always did.
"The Lord is just in all his ways, and kind in all his doings." — Psalm 145:17
