James John Mikesch, age 76, of Kingwood and Palestine, Texas, passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2020, in Celina, Texas. He was born on September 17, 1944, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Dorothy M. (Panus) and John D. Mikesch. James obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Geological Engineering from St. Louis University and had a successful career as a geologist in the petroleum industry. His career included time spent as the exploration manager for Louisiana Land and Exploration Company. During his tenure with Burlington Resources, he spent much of his time working in South America. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, as a staff sergeant earning six distinguished medals, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. James married the love of his life, Donna Durham, in St. Louis on June 8, 1968, and they were blessed with two children, Laura and Michael. James enjoyed spending time with his family and working on their Palestine country place. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.
James is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Donna Durham Mikesch, of Kingwood and Palestine, Texas; his children, Laura Basinger and her husband, Dennis, of Spring, Texas, and his son, Michael Mikesch and his wife, Jackie, of Celina, Texas; his grandchildren, Dennis James Basinger, Matthew Basinger, Preston Basinger, Connor Mikesch, Ryan Mikesch, Jarid (Tara) Cox, and Jordon Cox; his great-grandson, Colter Cox; his siblings, Raymond (Gloria) Mikesch, Msgr. Gregory Mikesch, Rita (Robert) Bryant, Susan (Dan) Arndt, Donald (Denise) Mikesch, and Mark (Roxanne) Mikesch; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and John Mikesch.
There will be a private military graveside service at Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery on January 6, 2021.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to Wounded Warrior Project.
For those not in attendance, the services for the private Rosary will be live-streamed on the Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, Celina Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Turrentine-Jackson-MorrowCelina-648722261904737/
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Dear Monsignor Greg and family, Please accept my prayers and deepest sympathy on the passing of your brother Jim. May the God of Life and His Risen Son welcome Jim into eternal glory. For selfless brave service for his country and a life well lived. Peace, grace, and consolation to you. Joe Witkowski, January 9, 2021 A good patriot, friend and colleague, sorry to see him go. John Williams, January 6, 2021 Jim had a truly remarkable professional career! I consider it a privilege to have worked with him for three decades, and also for his continued friendship after his retirement. I wholehearted agree with the sentiments expressed above, and I would like to share a few thoughts that immediately came to mind after hearing of his passing last week: Patriot: Jim sacrificed much out of love for his country - the extent of his sacrifice only becoming apparent to some of us in recent months. Respect: Friends, colleagues, and managers - all valued Jim’s insights and sought his opinion, especially when it came time for difficult decisions to be made. Integrity: Everyone knew we could all depend on Jim to provide sage and honest advice as we struggled to meet life’s challenges. Love: Jim ‘s deep affection for his family and his compassion for others was apparent to everyone. Jim had a profound impact on many lives. We will all miss him greatly! Thanks, Jim, for letting us be a part of your life! John Randolph, January 2, 2021 Our family has truly lost a treasure. From his sense of humor to his generous ways, Jim was the epitome of a good man! Our loss we know is heaven’s gain, but getting used to him not being “here” will take a long time. If ever! I’ll miss the joking phone calls telling me that Roxanne is now the FSIL for some unknown reason. The sneaky phone calls to request the FBIL discount at the jewelry store for Donna a piece of beautiful jewelry. Gone but never forgotten. Gloria Mikesch , January 2, 2021 The world has lost a very good man! Heaven has gained from our loss. A more honest man would be hard to find. He loved to tease me about most anything. I’ll miss the calls teasing me that today Roxanne is the FSiL for some reason or other. I’ll miss the calls looking for the FBIL discount for Donna a beautiful piece of jewelry. But most of all I’ll miss a very, very good friend. If you needed anything he was there. Advise, a loan, a laugh or just a good conversation. He was was loved by many and will be missed all who knew him. He’s at peace and so we must also be at peace for him
Gloria Mikesch, January 1, 2021 Thoughts and prayers to the family of our cousin Jim. Sam and Maureen Mezines, December 31, 2020 My deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time. You all have a new angel watching over you. Becky Brown, December 31, 2020 This world has lost a honest and dedicated contributor to what is right and worthwhile. These values have been shown by Jim’s contributions to his family, and his country which were always his prime focus. Those of us who remain behind we can be comforted by fact that Jim will be there to lead the way as he always has done. Jim was my brother, my hero, and my best friend. I will miss him terribly. But I know he is at peace, God bless him Ray Mikesch Raymond j Mikesch, December 31, 2020 To the family of Jim Mikesch Please accept my condolences for your loss. I know the past several months have been hard on you all but hopefully it provided some quality time with Jim. I had the honor to work with Jim at both The Louisiana Land and Exploration Company and at Burlington Resources and always found him to be a hardworking, honest and straightforward man that could be trusted to give his honest opinion about any topic, be it small or hugely consequential. He was respected by everyone he came in contact with and loved by many. He had a quiet strength forged by trying experiences he rarely talked about. He had a great laugh and a keen sense of humor. The world needs more men like Jim we will miss him. Russell Hawkins, December 31, 2020 Dear Donna Laura and Mike, Jim was certainly a one of a kind Man. There will never be another like him. We will miss him terribly. Our prayers are for your peace. Love Bob and Rita Rita Bryant , December 30, 2020 Our heart's are breaking for you all during this time. it was an honor to know Jim-he was truly one-of-a-kind! Prayers!
Sandy & Jeff Malone, December 30, 2020 Aunt Donna, Laura and Mike, I really haven’t been able to wrap my head around this and I’ve been thinking about all of you so much the past few days. You are all in my thoughts and prayers and I wish there was something I could say or do to help make it easier. Please know that I’m thinking of all of you and I am positive Jim is watching down over all of you. Love, Lisa, kevin, Ben and Sam Lisa and Kevin Ptasienski, December 29, 2020
