Fangmann, James 'Jim'

James “Jim” Fangmann passed away peacefully on Aug. 23, 2013, in Allen, Texas. He was 88 years old.

Jim was born in Petersburg, Iowa. He grew up on a 380-acre farm in Delaware County, Iowa, where his father was a livestock and grain farmer. Jim was the second oldest child in a family of 10 children. He married his first wife, Rita Goedken, when he was 21 years old. Six years later, Hodgkin lymphoma took the life of his wife and left him as a widower with three young children.

After her death, Jim left farming and began a career in long-haul trucking that spanned 40 years, traveling throughout all 48 continental United States. His work brought him to South Texas and to his second wife, Emma, who would become his lifelong partner. In 1961, Emma and Jim were married. Emma reared his children as her own, and they had three more children, one who died in infancy. For the next 46 years, the couple resided in Brownsville, Texas. They moved to the Dallas area in 2007 to be closer to family. He was always very proud of his children and deeply enjoyed being surrounded by his family. Indeed, his grandchildren were the highlight of his life.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, his first wife and two sons.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Emma Cisneros Fangmann; his children, Karl (Mary) Fangmann, Elaine (Paul) Muehe, Theresa (Tim) Plocica and Margaret (Kevin) Seaweard; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; his brothers, Francis Fangmann, Bernard Fangmann, Vincent Fangmann, Theodore Fangmann and Gerald Fangmann; his sisters, Vernice Knudsen, Mary Jane Eulberg and Nita Loeffelholz; and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family members.

In accordance with Jim's wishes, he was cremated. A memorial service celebrating Jim's life was held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, in the East Chapel at Darling-Mouser Funeral Home, Brownsville, Texas. Jim's ashes were interred at Buena Vista Burial Park following the memorial service.

You may view the obituary, sign the guest book, and extend your condolences to the Fangmann family online at www.darlingmouser.com.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to Darling-Mouser Funeral Home, 945 Palm Blvd., Brownsville, TX 78520.

Published Sept. 1, 2013 in The Gazette