James William Kresta, Sr.

James “Jim” William Kresta, Sr., 76, of East Bernard, TX, went to be with the Lord on Monday, May 9, 2016 surrounded by his family. He was born to Edwin and Mary Ann Derrich Kresta on December 28, 1939 in Burr, Texas. James was raised in Wharton County, and attended school in Crescent and Wharton. After serving our country in the United States Army, he married Elrose Toman in Nada on September 26, 1959. Their early life together was spent in San Antonio where they raised four out of their five children, Brenda, James, Becky, and Laura. Later they moved to East Bernard where they had their last child, Kristi. James left his mark on the world by building custom homes throughout the state of Texas for over 50 years. He loved hunting, fishing and most of all spending time with his family! He also loved to escape with his wife to Coushatta to gamble as often as possible. James is survived by his wife, Elrose, of 56 years and his children, Brenda Kresta, Jimbo & Kathy Kresta, Becky & Bubba Wilcox, Laura & Alan Jirkovsky and Kristi & Tony Magaro. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Elisha Middleton, Kayla Walbush, Krystal & Ryan Rivera, William & Ashley Wilcox, Justin & Megan Wilcox, Brittney & Aaron Stock, Matthew Jirkovsky, Casey Jirkovsky, Brianna Jirkovsky, Madison Magaro, Isabella Magaro and Anthony James Magaro. His great grandchildren are Kylie Rivera, Brooke Rivera, Avery Wilcox, Gemma Wilcox, Jackson Wilcox, Ellasyn Milliff and Judd Wilcox. Other surviving family members include his brother, Frank Kresta and sister, Anita Michalec. James is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Eugene Kresta. Visitation will be on Thursday, May 12, 2016, starting at 9am at Holy Cross Catholic Church in East Bernard with a rosary recited at 10:30 am followed by the Funeral Mass, officiated by Fr. Donald Ruppert. Entombment will follow in the Holy Cross Mausoleum in East Bernard. Serving as pallbearers are his grandsons, William, Justin, Matthew, Casey, Anthony James, and Aaron, and nephews, Kenneth Kresta, Randy Kresta and Chris Kresta. Also serving as Honorary pallbearers are Ryan Rivera and James’ nephews. The family would like to thank those that took care of Dad for the last three years, especially Clarice and Claddie Spears, Dr. Sandip Desai, and the wonderful staff of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land. Funeral services under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www.whartonfuneralhome.com.