Grametbauer
Jame s “Jim” L ewi s Grametbauer, beloved husband, dad and grandad, passed away on May 23, 2026, following a brief illness. He was 82 years old.
Jim, t he son of Rudolph “Rudie” John Grametbauer and Ruby Lee Gerland Grametbauer, was born in Temple on Dec. 1, 1943.
He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School through the eighth grade and graduated from Temple High School in 1961. Jim continued his education at Sul Ross University, graduating in 1965 with a bachelor of science degree in physical education.
From October 1966 to September 1968, Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army.
After a 27-year career with the Texas Employment Commission, Jim retired in 1996. He then began a second career in education, first in the classroom and later as manager of benefits processing at the Teacher Retirement System, retiring again in 2006.
In 1962, Jim married Mary Ann Duke, and to this union were born his sons, James Ryan and Rhett Lewis Grametbauer.
In 2004, Jim married Pat Garrison. During their marriage, they continued their careers in Austin before moving to Rockdale in 2016 to fulfill their dream of country living.
Jim loved life and deeply loved the people in it, especially his children and grandchildren. He was always there for family and friends — always giving back and becoming involved in the organizations he cared about.
While living in Austin, he was a long-time member of St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, where he served on both the pastoral council and building committee and was a member and leader of The Great Club. As a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rockdale, he served on the pastoral council and finance and building committees. Jim was also a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight for Council 10333, Financial Secretary for Council 7014, and Faithful Comptroller for Assembly 3533.
During the 1990s, Jim coached baseball at Austin’s Parque Zaragoza, remaining closely involved in his son Rhett’s passion for the game.
Jim enjoyed many hobbies and pastimes, including hunting, fishing, raising cattle, woodworking, gardening, cooking, baking and playing a lively game of dominoes or a serious game of poker. He especially loved working and relaxing on his place in the country, where on any given evening, he could be found sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch.
Jim was an avid sports fan who especially enjoyed Astros baseball and Cowboys football, but nothing brought him greater joy than watching his sons and grandchildren in the activities they loved.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Rudie and Ruby Grametbauer, and his brothers-in-law, Harry Garrison and Larry Garrison.
He is survived by his loving wife, Pat; his sons, Ryan and wife Liane of Boerne, Rhett and wife Monique of Hutto; his grandchildren, Gracie Grametbauer, Luke Grametbauer, Roman Grametbauer, and Chandler Rozas and wife Siena; and his great-grandson, Colter Rozas.
He also leaves behind sisters-in-law Kathleen Cross of Wheeler, Pam Vogt and husband David of The Woodlands, and Jan Garrison of Lubbock; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends whom he loved dearly.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 6 p.m., with a rosary from 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 30, at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 31, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rockdale, followed by a 2 p.m. graveside service at Greathouse Cemetery in Temple.
In lieu of f lowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to: St. Joseph Catholic Church Building Fund, 234 San Gabriel St., Rockdale, TX 76567 or St. Mar y’s Catholic Church Building Fund, 1018 S. 7th St., Temple, TX 76504.