James Joseph Kouba was born on Sept. 24, 1930 to Jim and Bessie (Simper) Kouba. He spent his early years working on the family farm and attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Moulton. As James was growing up, his family sold the farm to pay medical bills. They purchased several acres near Moulton and began "Jim's Grocery". It was here he began the career that he loved so much.

As a teenager, a mischievous little brown-eyed girl stole his heart. James and Dorothy (Tousek) Kouba were married on Dec. 1, 1951 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Moulton. On Dec. 12, 1951, James was drafted by the United States Army. He and Dorothy moved to Fort Leonard, Missouri while he completed basic training. He later received orders to serve in Nuremberg, Germany. He was assigned to the Headquarters of the 43rd Division and served as a demolition specialist. James never had the "typical" war stories to tell. His stories revolved around mischief he would get into, usually while trying to help someone out. He received an honorable discharge in 1953.

When James returned from Germany he began seeking employment. He heard Nicholas Hoffer was opening a "Drive-In Grocery" in Hallettsville. This little store was to be one of the first of its kind in this area. James approached "Mr. Nick", and was subsequently hired as the manager of Hoffer's Drive Inn. This stroke of good fortune introduced him to his lifelong friends and later employers, Leo and Evelyn Hoffer. James loved his job and he loved the people he met while at "the store". He did his best to make his customers happy. He was rarely seen without a smile on his face. He managed "Hoffer's Drive Inn" until July 1997 when he suffered a brain aneurysm. After making a remarkable recovery, he returned to "the store" and performed custodial duties until Aug. 1, 2006 when he became a resident of Hallettsville Rehabilitation. He was a member of the V.F.W., American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Director of Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce, and Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He was awarded the Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award and K of C Knight of the Year.

James had a great love of life. This came from his deep devotion to God and his family. James and Dorothy were blessed with two children: James "Jimmy" Kouba and Jennifer Kraatz. James prayed each night that his children would marry and have families of their own. God began answering his prayers when Jimmy married Liz Kouba in 1980. James's prayers for Jennifer's future were answered in 1997 when she married Trey Kraatz. James and Dorothy were also blessed with seven grandchildren: Brian Kouba and wife Jessica, Keith Kouba, Tyler Kraatz, Austin Kraatz, Trenton Kraatz, Victoria Kraatz and Alexandra Kraatz.

James's hobbies included hunting and fishing. During deer season, James spent nearly every afternoon and weekend at the "Deer Pasture". However, it was fortunate for him that deer season lasted only two months out of each year. This gave him time to pursue his other hobby: fishing. James spent the rest of the year fishing either at the coast, lakes or river. He also enjoyed riding his four wheeler. Even after he became a resident at Hallettsville Rehab, Dorothy would bring him home on the weekends and he would putt around the house or at Jimmy's farm on his four wheeler. James took pride in cooking and canning. Everyone looked forward to a gathering where he would grill steaks or cook a big pot of his famous stew. He enjoyed making homemade sausage and canning cucumbers at the deer camp. He loved to give these treats away to family, friends and even strangers that came to Hoffer's

James was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. James and Dorothy enjoyed each other's company. They spent many years working together at the store. They also enjoyed taking the kids places, eating out with friends and going to Coushatta. James passed on his love of fishing and hunting to his son and grandsons. Jimmy, Brian and Keith spent many evenings together at camp. James loved to plan for these outings and enjoyed "showing them a good time". James also devoted much time to Jennifer. When she was small he would play games, read books and play baseball with her. Jennifer was no stranger to deer camp either. She spent many evenings with him on the riverbanks, or curled up in his deer stand with a bag full of snacks and a comic book he packed from "the store" to keep her quiet.

Jennifer's "little ones" were a true source of pride and joy to James as well. They loved to go to "the store" to see Grandpa and Grandma. On each visit, Grandpa would buy them a little "treat" and give them rides in the clothes baskets in the Washateria. In turn, when he became a resident at Hallettsville Rehab, the "little ones" would look forward to bringing their Grandpa a "treat".

James was a simple man that loved his simple life. He was a pleasant, kind man with a warm smile and big heart. His reunion in Heaven with former friends and family members will be a joyous occasion which he planned for his entire life. Along with his family, James is survived by a sister Agnes Kouba Roznovsky. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters: Bernadette Kouba Marek and Marie Kouba Buxkemper.

Service: 10 am, Monday, Dec. 8, 2008, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Visitation: 2 pm, Sunday, at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosaries: 7 pm, Sunday at Kubena Funeral Home; and 9:30 am, Monday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Pallbearers: Brian Kouba, Keith Kouba, Harvey Janak, Jeff Tuttle, Mike Hale, Lee Hoffer, David Roberts, and Danny Roznovsky. Honorary Pallbearers: Joe Mozisek, Johnnie Steffek, Leo Hoffer, Leroy Mikeska, Jimmy Steffek, Henry Jo Jasek; Tyler, Austin and Trenton Kraatz; fellow workers of Hoffer's Drive Inn, and Hallettsville Rehab's Staff. Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic School.