John Britsch

John James Britsch of Shiner, passed away peacefully of natural causes on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in Shiner. John lived a faith-filled life, in servanthood and devotion to God and his family. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, and friend to many.
He was born on October 17, 1945 in San Antonio, to John Henry Britsch and Fannie Jean Martin Britsch. John’s early life was rooted in the values of faith, family, and hard work. The first son of five children, he was raised on a farm in Hondo, and later graduated with Bachelors of Science degrees in English and Journalism from Sam Houston State University. John worked for several newspapers including the Hondo Anvil Herald and San Antonio Express, specializing in Sports Writing and Sports Features. 
Not long after, he began his 30+ year career in Education, teaching and coaching in every Texas UIL Classification with nine stops all along the way. Right out of school, he accepted his first teaching and coaching position in Shepherd, and then on to Iola.  Holmes High School in San Antonio was his next stop, where he coached football, basketball, and baseball. 
It was there he was introduced to his future wife, Betty. On June 23, 1973, he married Betty L.  Jones, of Pleasanton. John and Betty lived and worked in Pettus, Rocks Springs and Hondo before finally settling in Shiner in 1982 to raise their family. John taught high school English and Journalism as well as Junior High Reading. He coached football, basketball, baseball, and tennis and UIL speaking events during the extent of his career in Shiner.  He was able to touch the lives of all his students and develop life-long friendships with many colleagues throughout the years. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or in everyday life, he led with a deep sense of purpose making every person feel seen, valued, and capable. He is known for saying “Do something you love and it won’t be a job”.  
He was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church of Shiner and led through teaching and ministry in any way he could. His reunion group, who met weekly since 1990 held a special place in his heart. He understood his role and calling by God and was faithful, showing deep appreciation for all his opportunities to serve. He retired from teaching and coaching in 2000.
In 2001, John was called to full-time ministry as a local-licensed Methodist pastor. His first church was Freyburg United Methodist Church, where he served for three years. In the following years, he served at Methodist Churches all over Texas including Seadrift, Rock Island, Dewville, Shiner, Rocksprings, Martindale, Thompsonville, Litton Springs, and Cuero. Having formed numerous life-long relationships during his time in the Ministry, John retired from his second career in December 2023.  
Through the years, John enjoyed attending all his grandchildren’s various sporting events and celebrations, as well as spending time with his extended family and friends. He enjoyed taking care of his yard, evening golf cart cruises around the neighborhood, serving at the food pantry, watching baseball and going for a swim.
John will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends and all who knew him. 
His encouragement shaped their futures, leaving an impression that will be felt for generations. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught and the love he shared so freely. His life was a journey of JOY that has now found its peaceful conclusion. He truly left it all on the field.
John is survived by his wife, Betty Britsch; daughter, Jamie Wagner and husband Travis; daughter, Becky McCord and husband Billy; grandchildren, Becca Wagner, Tyson Wagner, Riley-Jane McCord and William McCord IV; brother, Robert Britsch and wife Kathy of Marble Falls; sister, Mary Healy of New Braunfels; brother, Charlie Britsch and wife Karen of San Antonio; sister-in-law, Barbara Holt of Houston; and sister-in-law, Brenda Lee of Marion and many beloved nieces, nephews. 
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Fannie Jean Britsch;  and sister, Kathy Flannery.  
A private family burial ceremony will be held at Freyburg Methodist Church Cemetery. 
A community memorial church service and celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 4 at the First United Methodist Church in Shiner, with a reception following at the Methodist Church Activity Center 102 W Church St., Shiner.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shiner FUMC Food Pantry and Guatemala Missions at their church office, by mail or online at www.shinerfumc.org. Mailing address: FUMC Shiner 102 W Church St., Shiner, TX 77984. 
Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.shinerfuneralhome.com.
Services are under the care and direction of Shiner Funeral Home.