James Edward “Jimmy” Condel

James Edward “Jimmy” Condel, 61, passed away Thursday, April 23, 2015. Jimmy was born April 21, 1954 in Shiner to Henry Condel, Sr. and Josephine Schleinschok Condel.  Jimmy attended elementary school at St. Ludmilla Catholic School in Shiner before moving to Gonzales where he attended high school. Jimmy met the love of his life through a mutual friend. Jimmy and Bonnie met at the ages of 16 and 14 respectively.  They married on Sept. 23, 1973 in Gonzales and God blessed them with four children, seven grandchildren and 41 years of marriage. 

Jimmy loved fishing, whether it was at a tank or at the coast he was happiest wetting a line and feeling the tug of fish. Fishing was more than baiting a hook, kicking back and waiting for the fish to bite to Jimmy. Coast fishing was competition and beating his favorite fishing companion Norman Burns and others was equally as much fun as catching the fish and oh the stories he would tell when he got home. 

Jimmy loved taking his wife, kids, son-in-laws and grandchildren hunting and fishing.  He loved calling coyotes, dove hunting and waiting patiently to shoot a trophy buck. But being with family, enjoying nature’s beauty and abundance with them gave balance to his otherwise hardworking style of living. 

He enjoyed family games of “junk ball” in the yard on Sunday afternoons and his favorite games “chicken foot” and “sequence.” He loved to play jokes on the kids and included Bonnie in the fun as well. Christmas was his favorite holiday and he always made sure it was equally as special for everyone.

Jimmy started working as ranch foreman for Munson Ranch at the age of 19. He loved what he did and took great pride in his work. Clearing land for improved pastures, building tanks to catch water, taking care of the cattle operation and watching it grow gave him a strong sense of well being and a sense of accomplishment.

In 2006, the ranch was awarded the Outstanding Conservation Award for outstanding accomplishments in the conservation of soil, water and natural resources, an award in which he took tremendous pride.

Jimmy Condel loved being a cowboy. He loved working hard and he would push himself seven days a week, because that was just his way. All this and acting as the “Sheriff of Dilworth” kept him mighty busy.

James Edward “Jimmy” Condel is survived by his loving wife Bonnie Condel; children, Tamela R’Nea and Clay Baker, Jennifer Lynn and Chris Almaguer, Christina Laverne and David Molina and Coy Wayne Condel, all of Gonzales; grandchildren, J.D. Baker, Christian Almaguer, Kristyn Baker, Brooklyn Condel, Brayden Molina and Jaxson Almaguer; sisters, Irene Schaefer (Adolph) of Seguin, Diana Johnston, (Dusty) of Seguin, Patsy Fitzsimmons (Tony) of Gonzales, Rosie Roecker (Albert) of Seguin, brothers, Henry Condel, Jr. (Bobbie) of Gonzales, Alvin Condel (Rebecca) of Gonzales and Johnny Condel (Tessie) of Smithville. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Kasen James Almaguer.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 27 in the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Jesse Elizondo officiating. Interment followed in Gonzales Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Bradley Baker, Ryan Brown, Craig Schaefer, Tommy Cooley, Justin Cooley and Bryan Condel. Honorary pallbearers were Houston Munson, Jr., Norman Burns, Wendell Munson, Troy Houser and Houston Munson, III. 

The family received friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Two Rivers Bible Church or the charity of one’s choice. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home in Gonzales.