James "Jimmy" Roland Hornbeck

James “Jimmy” Roland Hornbeck, beloved father, grandfather, brother and friend passed away surrounded by family in his home Tuesday, February 18, 2025. James was born in Houston, Texas on October 16, 1933, to parents James Milton and Wanda Hornbeck. He resided in Houston with his family until they moved to Port Bolivar in 1954. He attended the University of Houston while working at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and graduated in 1959 with a civil engineering degree. While attending UH, he was a proud member of The Houston Corps of Cadets and the Cullen Rifles, a competition shooting and drill team. 

In 1960, he began working for the family business, Milt’s Seafood Plant. He met the love of his life Nana Crawford on a ferry ride, and they were married in 1963. 

In 1968, James and Nana bought the family business and spent the next 32 years working side-by-side at Milt’s Seafood until he sold the business in 2000 to his daughter and son-in-law Linda and Mike. He remained steadfast in his commitment to his family and the business, continually working on projects to enhance their success. 

In 2000, James joined the Bolivar Peninsula Special Utility District Board of Directors where he dedicated his time advocating for better water for the Bolivar community while keeping water costs to a minimum. After 15 years of service with the B.P. S.U.D., James then turned his focus and passion to the stewardship of his family ranch in Weldon, Texas. 

As an avid hunter, fisherman, and wildlife enthusiast, James was a lifetime member of Ducks Unlimited, a nonprofit organization working to conserve, restore, and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. He was also a member of the Texas Game Warden Association where his contributions helped educate youth on land and wildlife conservation. One of James’s greatest joys was sharing his family ranch with his lifelong friends where he brought them along to hunt, see his cattle operation, the progress on his many grafted trees and even to join him for a game or two of poker. 

He is preceded in death by his parents James Milton and Wanda Hornbeck, his son James Ronald Hornbeck and his loving wife Nana Hornbeck. He is survived by his brothers Larry and Ronnie Hornbeck and his three daughters, Barbara Lee and husband Larry Lee; Patty Alexander and husband Steve Alexander; and Linda Dolfi and husband Mike Dolfi. He leaves behind his grandchildren: Kelsi Sullivan and husband John R, Colton Wegner and wife Brittany, Kierstyn Lee and fiancé Connor Torbert, Carson Lee, Matthew Thibodeaux and wife Meredith, Jamie Kosler and husband Ben, Chase Dolfi and Cali Dolfi. He also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren. 

His daughters are thankful for the beautiful lives they have lived because of him, his hard work, and his boundless love for them. 

The family is forever grateful for Francisco and Lucio Tovar and their families for their commitment to Dad’s daily wellbeing. We are also thankful for Janet Stinson, Brandi Turner, Melinda Garland, Irineo Tovar, Julia Richardson, and Dr. Tom Blackwell for their continuous help and support. Each of them contributed to Dad being able to live his life to the fullest for as long as possible. 

A visitation for James will be held on February 26, 2025 at J. Levy & Termini Funeral Home, 2128 Broadway in Galveston from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Christian service will be held at Port Bolivar Baptist Church on February 27, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Reverend Dennis Allen will officiate, and Brittany Wegner will give the eulogy. 

Pallbearers will be Colton Wegner, Matthew Thibodeaux, Chase Dolfi, Carson Lee, Mike Boyd, Lucio Tovar, David Altemus, and Irineo Tovar. Honorary Pallbearers are Francisco Tovar and Joe Dolfi. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Port Bolivar Cemetery, P.O. Box 9, Port Bolivar, TX 77650 or The Richmond State School, 2100 Preston St., Richmond Tx 77469.

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