James (Jimmy) John Urban

James (Jimmy) John Urban, 79, of Miles passed away Friday, September 17, 2010. He was a victim of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Diseases. It was his choice to assist in research of these illnesses so that more could be learned about these diseases and future victims might enjoy more time with their loved ones.

He was born January 18, 1931, in Lowake, Texas to Emil and Anne (Marecek) Urban the 4th of seven children. He attended school in Lowake, Paint Rock, and then graduated from Miles High School in 1948. Jimmy proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a Basic Training Instructor. He was stationed at Fort Ord, California during the years of 1952-1954. His journalistic photography and letters are valuable historic reflections of that era in American military history.

James Urban was a dedicated steward of the land. As a successful Runnels County farmer and rancher, he was always supportive of the community, youth education, and agricultural technology. He was a member of the Miles Young Farmers, Miles Co-op Gin, American and Texas Cattleman’s Associations.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Nancy Urban Brosig and Pauline Urban Dusek.

Mr. Urban is survived by siblings, Edwin Urban and wife, Betty; Henry Urban and wife, Laura; Bessie Urban Arthur all of Midland; and William Urban and wife, Stella, of Asheville, North Carolina. Also surviving are nieces, Renee Brosig Farmer of Paint Rock, Leah Brosig of Seguin, Kate Arthur Russell of Florida, Marsha Urban Jarzombek of Woodlands, and Sondra Urban of Midland; nephews, Bob Dusek and Calvin Dusek of Lowake, Alton Urban and Terry Urban of Denver, Colorado, Larry Urban of Grand Prairie, and Alan Arthur of Dallas; and 14 grand-nieces and nephews.
Family and community visitation and viewing will be Sunday, September 19 from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. Graveside service is scheduled for Monday, September 20 at 9:30 a.m. in the Miles Cemetery with family friend, Greg Estes, of San Angelo officiating. Pallbearers will be Thomas Farmer, Justin and Corey Farmer, Joe Brosig, Joseph and Austin Schniers, Curtis Pelzel, James and Jerrod Eggemeyer, and Bobby Burrus.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers to please be generous to the Miles Young Farmers, the Lowake Community Center, or your family’s personal choice of a community service organization. A special thank you is extended to those who have assisted in Jimmy’s care over the past few years. Casket was handcrafted by Ray Hannaman of Paint Rock and cotton boll cross handcrafted by Don Keeney of San Angelo.

To family and friends, Jimmy Urban will be remembered for his pleasant demeanor, his devotion to community, family, youth and education, as well as his great enjoyment of farming and ranching.