James Voelkel

James Kelly "Bucky" or "Jim" Voelkel, died Saturday, March 1, 2008, at the age of 76.

He was born Nov. 24, 1931 in Breslau, Texas, to Kelly Voelkel and Lillie Opella Voelkel. He and his family later moved to El Campo. On Sept. 3, 1955, he married Natalie Guarino in Houston. Jim served in the U. S. Air Force where he became a Staff Sergeant while stationed in the Philippines during the Korean War. Jim later received a BBA from Sam Houston State University.

He retired from federal service with the IRS in Houston. He lived life to its fullest with family and friends, by spending time on his farm near New Ulm, where he enjoyed hunting, fishing and doing numerous other outdoor activities. Jim was a devoted Catholic and was a Life Member of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Katy.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Natalie Voelkel of Katy; daughter, Mary Lee Weiman and husband Boyce; sons, Kelly Voelkel and wife Lisa, Gary Voelkel, and Mark Voelkel and wife Dee; grandchildren, Elaine Weiman, Koryn Weiman, Rachel Weiman, Jaime Voelkel, Kaitlynn Voelkel and Cliff Smith; sister, Lucille Martin and husband Foster; brother, Stanley H. Voelkel and wife Margaret; brother-in-law, Judge Joseph Guarino and wife Della Grace; sisters-in-law, Myra Guarino and Mary Ann Guarino; as well as other numerous loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers-in-law, Peter J. Guarino and Michael Guarino Jr.

A rosary was recited Monday, March 3, at 7 p.m. at the Schmidt Funeral Home Chapel in Katy with Deacon Michael McGuire reciting. Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 4, at the St. Bartholomew Catholic Church in Katy with the Rev. John Kha Tran and the Rev. Msgr. Milam Kleas, celebrants. Interment was in Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston.

Pallbearers were David Voelkel, Foster Voelkel, Steven Voelkel, Stanley Voelkel III, Jerry Guarino, Kim Guarino, and Michael Guarino.

Honorary pallbearers were Cathy Martin and Janice Opella.

Those wishing to make memorial gifts may do so to the Discalced Carmelite Nuns, 1100 Parthenon Place, New Caney, Texas 77357, or to the St. Bartholomew Catholic Church Building Fund, 5356 Eleventh Street, Katy, Texas 77493.

Funeral services were held under the direction of Schmidt Funeral Home, 1508 E. Avenue, Katy, Texas 77493, 281-391-2424.