James Henry Orth

JAMES HENRY ORTH (11.1.1932-8.2.2016) James Henry Orth, age 83, and a life-long resident of New Braunfels, passed away on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at his residence surrounding by his loving family. Mr. Orth was born on November 1, 1932 on his family farm in Guadalupe County, near Live Oak School and Orth Pasture, to the late Emil Albert Orth and Elsie Staats Orth. James was 7th generation German to immigrate to New Braunfels in 1845. In 1933 through the Protestant faith he was baptized and confirmed in 1946. He attended Live Oak School & NBHS 1950. He excelled academically and in football. He later served his country proudly in the United States Army. He was stationed overseas in Alaska, before it was a state. He graduated from Hardin Simmons University in 1958. He moved back to New Braunfels and purchased his uncle's portion of the family farm where he spent 55 years working the earth. He was a huge fan of the Dallas Cowboys & Houston Astros. There wasn't a cross-word puzzle he couldn't master! He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Gene Orth. Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years, Valetta Orth; children, Tina Orth and husband, Odis Malone, James E. Orth and wife, Gena and Kay Matocha and husband, Jon; grandchildren, Dan Orth and wife, Kendra, Robert Swanson and wife, Sarah, Jeffrey Orth, Kacy Cameron and husband, Kyle and Alex Malone; great-grandchildren, Ethan and Luke Swanson, Ever Malone and Camille Orth. In addition, Mr. Orth is survived by his brother, Floyd Orth and wife, Joan. Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, August 5, 2016 at the Lux Funeral Home Chapel. Graveside services will follow at 10:30 AM on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at Comal Cemetery with the Reverend Rich Van Natter officiating. Memorial donations may be given to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.