James Edward Wuensche went to rest in the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ while surrounded by family on July 4, 2025, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. James was born on April 12, 1944, in Fresno, California, to Wilbert and Lorena [Kaatz] Wuensche, and was baptized into the Lutheran faith on May 7, 1944. 

On June 27, 1964, he married the love of his life, Janet Joyce Gindorf, and they started a life together. He became a cotton farmer, primarily, but had a great many hobbies and interests beyond the cotton fields. He was a talented winemaker, going on to have his own vineyard for decades after learning winemaking from his Grandpa Oscar. He was an exquisite home cook, specializing in the secret Wuensche family barbeque recipe and sausage-making, Cabernet grape jelly and syrup, and some of the most delicious, sweet treats, including but not limited to coconut pie—with a PERFECT meringue, cobblers, and peanut brittle.  

He was a jokester through and through—known for some exceptional pranks, including his masterful Mrs. Doubtfire impersonation, which, for several years, he chose to use for his home answering machine recording. Even when he was fresh out of surgery, recovering in post-op, he took the opportunity to make his family and the nurses laugh.

He had a natural aptitude for learning, as he was intensely curious, and always interested in seeking out information about things he found intriguing or that he didn’t understand. He was a gifted fisherman and loved trips to the lake with his family. He had a passion for his red 1950 Chevrolet 3100 truck, which is fondly named “Bucket List”. He was excited to get it fully restored and drive that puppy around. He always had a project (or 5) going at any given time. He knew how to make sure that his family always knew where home was.

He was a passionate follower of Christ, and would share His love whenever an opportunity arose, which was often. He attended church and worshipped as a member of the choir for decades. He had a servant’s heart and loved to serve his church and community. He served on several church boards and committees, as well as on the Wilson School Board for 12 years, and he was a member of Lion’s Club for many years.

James had a huge personality–truly one of a kind. He loved his family and he loved the Lord. He was the kind of person that loved hard and wasn’t afraid to show it. He had a strong sense of humor and had everybody in stitches of laughter most of the time. Most importantly, however, he was a doting husband to his beloved wife, Janet; a proud adoring father to his three children; and an active strong presence in the lives of his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly. 

James is survived by his large loving family, including his wife of 61 years, Janet Joyce Wuensche; 3 children, Mark [Tina] Wuensche, Jana [Jack] Adams, Craig [Kimberly] Wuensche; 11 grandchildren, Trista [Luke] Carpenter, Britt [Cheree] Wuensche, Kalee [Slade] Cupps, Lauren [Grant] Murray, Kaylyn Adams, Amy Adams, Mallory Adams, Monica Burroughs, Michael [Chloe] Willis, Cody [Janelle] Wuensche, and Emerson McDonough; 10 great-grandchildren, Kaegen and Kannen Carpenter, Conner and Collyn Wuensche, Harper Cupps, Skylar and Summer Burroughs, Liv and Blair Willis, and Amelia Wuensche; his 5 sisters, Geneva Ehlers, Barbara Ehlers, Marilyn [Tom] Bowers, Elna Brieger, Katy [Oliver] Thompson; and many friends made throughout his lifetime.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert and Lorena Wuensche; his daughter-in-law, Sheila Wuensche; and 5 brothers-in-law.

The family will hold a visitation on Monday, July 7, 2025, from 6-7 p.m. at Englunds Funeral Service & Chapel in Slaton, Texas. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church in Lubbock, Texas. Burial services will be held at Green Memorial Park Cemetery in Wilson, Texas, immediately following the funeral service. The family suggest memorials be made to Green Memorial Park, PO Box 102, Wilson, TX, 79381.