James J. Zotz, Sr., age 89, a lifelong resident of Windthorst, Texas, passed away peacefully in Hospice of Wichita Falls on January 30, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

A Vigil Service and Rosary will be held at 7:30 pm, Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Windthorst. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am, Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Reverend Michael Moloney, OFS, Pastor of St. Mary’s and St. Boniface Catholic Churches, officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home of Archer City.

James was born October 29, 1936, to the late Alphonse L. Zotz, Sr., and Caroline Ostermann Zotz. He was born at home in Windthorst in the same family home where his father was born. James graduated from Windthorst High School in 1955 and was a member of the first-ever Windthorst Trojan football team.

James married Pat Anderle on September 17, 1959, in Windthorst, Texas. Together they raised six wonderful children, they enjoyed frequent trips to Goldthwaite and Hamilton to buy and sell sheep, and enjoyed taking road trips to Missouri and Arkansas, always stopping for hiking to experience the nature of new places.

He proudly served in the Army National Guard, and was stationed in Louisiana and Oklahoma, and returned to Windthorst to work for Berend Brothers as the Poultry and Sheep Farm Manager for thirty-nine years. During his loyal tenure, James gave many young people in the area their first job and instilled his strong work ethic in many.

From an early age, James worked on the family farm, which enabled him to build a strong foundation of knowledge about farming, raising livestock, and maintaining God’s land. Throughout his entire life, James farmed, raised sheep, goats, chickens and cattle (using the brand “Rafter Z”) and truly enjoyed maintaining a large vegetable garden. He always planted more than was needed so the harvest's bounty could be shared with family and friends. He was an exemplary steward of the land and believed strongly in the improvement of the land that provided so much for him and his family. In addition to gardening and maintaining detailed rainfall records for much of his life, James loved taking his grandchildren fishing while encouraging them to have a love for the outdoors.

James was community-minded and believed in being involved and helping the community thrive. He served on the Windthorst ISD School Board, Windthorst City Council, Windthorst Water Corporation, was a Director for the Archer County Junior Livestock Show, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

James was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Windthorst.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-six years, Pat Zotz of Windthorst; three daughters, Tammie Cooper and husband Mark of Jacksboro, Sandy Lindsay and husband Kent of Wichita Falls, and Brenda Hodges and husband Wayne of Iowa Park; two sons, Jimmy Zotz and wife Lauren, and Bob Zotz and wife Laurie, all of Windthorst; three sisters, Juanita Martin and husband George, Florence Anderle and husband Lester of Windthorst, and Diane Luig and husband John of Wichita Falls; three brothers, Charles Zotz and wife Dianne, Joe Zotz and wife Lugenia, and Alphonse Zotz, Jr. and wife Harola, all of Windthorst; one brother-in-law, Kenny Wolf of Windthorst; seventeen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by one son, Duane Zotz; and two sisters, Dorothy Wolf and her husband Roy Allen; and Martha Wolf.

The family wishes to thank the staff and volunteers of Hospice of Wichita Falls for their support and love provided to James and his family throughout the duration of his care.

Should you desire, memorials in James’ name may be sent to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, Texas 76310, Windthorst Volunteer Fire Department, Post Office Box 162, Windthorst, Texas 76389, or St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Post Office Box 230, Windthorst, Texas 76389.