First Lieutenant USAF James Edward Muecke

James Edward Muecke passed into the presence of the Lord on the evening of Saturday, July 27, 2024 at the age of 90 years. 
He was born February 25, 1934 in Shiner, to Harry and Sydonia (Effenberger) Muecke. After both his parents tragically died during his childhood, he was raised by his widowed aunt, Viola Schultz. He graduated from Shiner High School in 1952, then furthered his education at (Southwest) Texas State University, majoring in business and graduating in 1956. In September of that year, he married Virginia Granz, whom he had met at a dance in Shiner. 
After his wedding he served in the USAF,  stationed in an early radar outpost in northern Japan during the Cold War watching developments out of Vladivostok, then in the Soviet Union. He was later stationed in Formosa (Taiwan), Mt Tamalpais, CA and Mexico Beach, FL.  
The couple moved to the Houston area in the late 50s, settling in their present house in 1960. After seven years at Baker Oil Tools (Baker Hughes) in the capacity of material control, he found his long term employment with Transcontinental Gas Pipeline (Transco, now part of the Williams Companies) in 1963 in the Purchasing Department, eventually working his way to becoming Purchasing Manager until his retirement in 1992.
After retirement, he worked other short-term jobs, and in 1994 he and son Brad were hired by Venture Products/SBS Manufacturing, producing gaskets for industrial clients, a position held until 2000 after his wife became seriously ill.
After Virginia’s death in 2002, he became more and more heavily involved in numerous neighborhood and civic endeavors. Among them flooding concerns along the Edgebrook corridor, park improvements, broken streetlights/signals, and other activities, receiving honors from the City of Houston and State of Texas for his efforts. 
He was a unique and one of a kind individual for sure. He loved to talk and he had stories for any and all situations. He never shied away from speaking up when he saw a need and if you  agreed with him or not, you always knew where he stood.  Many friends and neighbors would look to him for help with a myriad of situations. James felt it to be the utmost importance and privilege to speak up to address any wrong and try to make it right.
He remained loyal to the military, and helped  spearhead an effort along with fellow USAF Cold War veterans, to have increased recognition for their endeavors. In 2019 The effort resulted in a monument honoring the radar station veterans at the USAF museum in Dayton, OH. And despite increasing physical troubles, he attended the dedication in November 2019. He also proudly participated in an  Honor Flight to Washington DC in May/June 2019.
James was a founding member of St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in 1962 and remained active in the parish’s Men’s Club until this past spring. Since 2000, he and Brad have been attending St. Luke the Evangelist. 
James remained loyal to his hometown of Shiner, visiting kinfolk, and attending the Catholic church picnics that happened twice every year, his last being the 2023 Labor Day picnic. He was so happy to celebrate his 90th Birthday in Shiner with extended family.
He also loved to help others with mechanical issues, especially lawnmowers.
James is preceded in death by his wife Virginia, who died in March 2002 after a 45 year marriage; his parents; his aunt Viola; and brother Melvin. 
He is survived by his two adopted children, daughter, Melissa Muecke Boehm and husband Dennis; son, Bradley Muecke; granddaughters, Brenna Boehm Hoose and husband Marcus, and Hayley Boehm; and great-grandchildren, Asher James Hoose and Avery June Hoose.
Visitation will be held Monday, August 5 at Peevey Funeral Home chapel, 12440 Beamer Rd. Houston, from 6-8 p.m. with vigil at 6:30 p.m. 
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Tuesday, August 6 at St Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 11011 Hall Rd. Reception will follow in the Social Hall. 
Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 7 in Shiner.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in James’ name to Honor Flight Houston, the St. Luke the Evangelist Capital Campaign, or the civic organization of your choice.