James Leo Kahlich, 89, of Houston, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 at 10:15 a.m. at Methodist Hospital Houston. He died of cancer after a 4½-year illness.
Rosary was held on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025 at Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home at 10:30 a.m., led by Kenneth Berger. Funeral services at 11 a.m. followed the rosary, with Msgr. Daniel Kahlich and Fr. Jasper Liggio officiating. Burial was in the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers were David Zmeskal, brotherin- law; Eric Zmeskal, nephew; Anthony McAtee, nephew-in-law; Mason McAtee, great-nephew; Durwin Mitschke, cousin; and Allen Christ, cousin.
He was born on June 7, 1937 in High Hill to Leo and Martha Polk Kahlich. He graduated from Schulenburg High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force in terrain mapping. After four years of military service, he attended Southwest Texas College in San Marcos and then gained employment at Exxon oil. While working there, he proceeded to achieve a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston. He worked for over 30 years at Exxon Mobil before retirement as a draftsman. He had one published work on derrick design construction. He bowled in the Knights of Columbus bowling league in Houston for over 40 years. He was a good brother and son as he enjoyed taking camping trips with his brothers and father to national parks and loved taking the boat out to Canyon Lake with them. He maintained a home in Houston, but was a regular visitor to the Schulenburg area for its festivals and picnics. He was a member of the Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and Hermann Sons.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo V. and Martha Polk Kahlich. Survivors include a sister, Clarice Zmeskal of Lewisville; and three brothers, Leroy Kahlich of Schulenburg, Msgr. Daniel Kahlich of Schulenburg and Leo Kahlich of Washington, North Carolina.
Schwenke-Baumgarten Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.