James was baptized Catholic, veteran of WWII, life member of the V.F.W., member of the Lions Club, and former member of the Lavaca County Hospital Board. During WWII, James received the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon, Victory Ribbon, and one Overseas Service Bar.

James is survived by: wife Joyce of 54 years; daughter Connie Ledbetter of Conroe, Texas; 2-sons, James Koonce and Jay Koonce of Houston; brother Jeffery Koonce of Hallettsville, Texas; 3-sisters, Patricia Schlageter of Schulenburg, Texas, Oretha McCord of Hallettsville, and Anita Jenkins of Irving, Texas; 3-grandchildren, Chrisi Sanborn, Madison Ledbetter, and Cole Ledbetter.

James was preceded in death by: parents James & Louise Matula Koonce Sr.; daughter Susan Sanborn; 3-brothers, Tommy Koonce, Jasper William Koonce, and John Dennis Koonce.

Service (Graveside): 10am, Friday, July 21, 2006 at Salem Cemetery near Ezzell, Texas. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Visitation: Noon, Thursday at Kubena Funeral Home, with the family receiving visitors between 6pm to 8pm that Thursday at Kubena Funeral Home. Burial: Salem Cemetery. Memorials: The Charity of your choice.