James Edward Stiba, 80, passed away June 8, 2023.
He passed peacefully in his home with his family by his side, after a valiant yearlong battle with cancer.
James was born Nov.
27, 1942, to Nannie and Thomas H. Stiba on Thanksgiving Day in Taylor.
He lived most of his life on a farm in Rices Crossing, and was confirmed at Taylor Bretheren Church. The night he graduated from Taylor High School in 1961, he went on his first date with Mary Sorenson of Hutto, which began their 60 year journey together.
From there, he followed Mary to Texas State University, where he was in the Alpha Psi fraternity. To fund his education he worked as a lab instructor, in a funeral home and 18-hour shifts at the ButterKrust Bakery.
On July 25, 1964, they were wed at Mary’s family home. He graduated with a BS in Chemistry in 1965, and they moved to Corpus Christi for his job as a research chemist, solving industrial pollution issues in Corpus Christi Bay.
James earned an opportunity near Beaumont in 1968, where he invented the “blister packaging” process used by Gillette razors, which launched his career as an expert in paper coatings. In April of 1969, son Clayton arrived, followed by James Randall (Randy) in December of 1970. In April 1975, son number three, Travis, was born, then Jim helped start the company Bercen, Inc., based on products he’d developed, and hit the road as its primary salesman. This job allowed him to live anywhere, so in 1979, they moved back to Taylor onto the family land where he’d grown up, and lived until his passing. His travels across the country entertaining clients broadened his horizons, and he loved to frequently take his family along with him to share the experiences.
As he tried new cuisines it sparked his interest in cooking, and it was a favorite hobby to recreate recipes he’d had at fine restaurants around the US.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed deer hunting with his boys, boating, beaches, mountains and camping. But he was happiest when he was cooking for a crowd, which he did frequently – at home and around the country with the many friends he’d made in his travels.
They took their boys everywhere, assuring they appreciated the big world beyond, but also the practical life on a farm.
He and Mary explored with trips to Italy, Spain, Mexico, Hawaii and much more. Jim looked forward to gatherings with his fraternity brothers, who were a source of joy and support his whole life.
He was a big, strong personality, with a booming voice and a generous soul. He gave bear hugs and hearty handshakes, was passionate about making the world a better place, learning and being a good father and husband, all of which will be remembered and missed.
James is survived by his wife, sons and four grandchildren.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor.
A funeral service will be held Friday June 23 at 10 a.m. at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor.
