James D. Sofka

James Dennis Sofka, 76 of Shiner, went to his Lord and Savior, Friday, October 31, 2025.
James was born October 25, 1949, in Shiner to Clement J. and Christie Pauline Stock Sofka. He was a member of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, the Shiner Knights of Columbus Council 3081 and the Shiner Businessmen’s Club. James married Dorothy Jean Benes on January 12, 1999. 
James was an amazing cook. His giblet rice recipe with that signature black pepper burn became a staple dish in Shiner served at weddings, picnics, and fundraisers for years. The line to his BBQ place (Rocky Creek BBQ) was often too long to see both ends down Hwy 95. 
Among his family, he was especially known for his homemade deer sausage, pancakes, and pecan pie all made from memory and from scratch. There was rarely a time when anyone left his house without saying, “That was probably the best meal I’ve ever had!” 
James had exceptional talent in many areas. His kids and grandkids were lucky to learn so many things from a truly great man. He could skin a buck deer with a pocketknife, write computer code, grow a beautiful and rich garden, identify just about any metal by holding it in his hands for a second, or tell you exactly which plastic was best suited for some part of an advanced DOD missile system. 
He also loved his country. He was a proud American patriot, believed deeply in the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and proudly supported the veterans of our great country.
He was known for his long, patient talks with anyone who needed help; never in a hurry to cut it off before you had some direction and guidance. They were always sprinkled with just the right amount of contemplative silence and silly humor to leave you with a wiser mind and a lighter heart.
His generosity was unmatched. If you asked for $10, he would give you $100. He might even throw another zero on the end for good measure. People who truly knew him would agree that James was the most fair, honest, and kind man with a big presence and an even bigger heart. Honesty and integrity were the two most important things he wanted to instill in his kids and grandkids. 
He loved his wife, kids, and grandkids more than anything in the world. All he ever wanted was for everyone to get together as often as possible. He threw the best family holiday celebrations! No matter what holiday it was, there were huge fireworks to set off, some sort of games to play, gifts for all the kiddos, and enough delicious food for most of Shiner to eat. 
His overall presence provided strength, security, and comfort for anyone nearby, whether it was his loving wife, his adoring kids, his friends, his coworkers, or anyone in between. This was likely the result of his firm faith in Jesus Christ. He rarely talked about it, but in the quiet spaces of life; next to a warm campfire, after dinner when most were asleep, or on a long drive to an appointment, he would declare and place his ultimate trust in the Lord and His plans. 
He refused to worry himself or others about any troubles, because he firmly believed that the Lord would always sort everything out and provide a way.
He deeply appreciated his liberty and vigorously pursued life to the last second with happiness always being a central goal. He constantly reminded everyone that life is too short to be serious all the time. He always said, “If you can’t have fun, stay home!” 
Even in his final days, he had the medical staff at MD Anderson hospital rolling on the floor laughing, melting under his innocent charm, brightening their spirits, and leaving them with a positive outlook on life, even though his was so quickly diminishing. 
And you always knew when he was finished with a “discussion” because of his famous one-word punctuation mark “NOW!” 
James is survived by his loving family, wife, Dorothy Jean Sofka; daughters, Julie Ann Smith, Brigid Lynette O’Mara, Colleen Renee Guevara (Patrick); sons, Clement James Sofka (Carrie), Matthew Wade Beal (Erin); sisters, Joyce Johnson (Troy), Cathy Boedeker (Marvin), Donna Morgan (Mark), Dianne Cameron (Pat);  grandchildren, Madison Smith (Princeton Rogers), Kirsten Smith, Hali O’Mara, Hayden O’Mara, Hunter O’Mara, Hannah Vega-Guevara (Alexis), Luke Guevara, Kylie Sofka, Brianna Sofka, Alaina Sofka, Mary Sofka, Samuel Sofka, Paige Beal and Allison Beal; and great-grandson, Randy “Tripp” Austin. 
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Margie Sembera and Paula Korenek; and brother-in-law, Carroll Sembera.
The family will receive friends from 5 - 7 p.m. Friday, November 7 at Shiner Funeral Home, with prayers of the Holy Rosary following at 7 p.m. 
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 8 at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, with Fr. Jacob Mendoza serving as celebrant. 
Interment will follow in the Shiner Catholic Cemetery. 
Memorials may be made to Shiner Knights of Columbus Council 3081 or the Shiner Businessmen’s Club. 
Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.shinerfuneralhome.com. 
Services are under the care and direction of Shiner Funeral Home.