James “Jim” Loos
YOAKUM: James “Jim” Loos successfully completed his earthly mission on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at the age of 78. He passed away peacefully at his home in Yoakum, Texas, standing his ground on the exact same family farm where his grandparents once raised cattle, grew tomatoes, and undoubtedly passed down his legendary work ethic.
Jim’s story began on June 24, 1948, when he was born to the late Paul O. Loos and Mildred Hamman Loos. He spent 27 distinguished years serving in the U.S. Navy, where he earned the title of the “catapult whisperer” due to his uncanny ability to diagnose and repair aircraft carrier machinery through unconventional means. After retiring from the Navy as a LT, he worked several more years on offshore oil rigs then retired to full time cattle rancher.
When he wasn’t fixing machinery or building something out of wood, Jim was mastering backyard engineering on the farm. He never met a broken vehicle he couldn’t resurrect with creative Bondo bodywork and a splash of Marvel Mystery Oil. In his early years, he filled the Texas air with music, a love for singing, and the strum of his guitar. Jim was also a fiercely frugal man who often bragged that he still regularly wore clothes from the 1970s because he “took care of his things.”
Jim’s legacy of love, laughter, and independence is carried on by his wife of 55 years, Nancy Hoffert Loos, who together, built their home with their own hands. He remains the world’s greatest dad to his children: Nichol Ramirez (Juan), James Loos Jr. (Rachel), and Cerri Smith (Jereme).
He was the deeply loved “Grandpa” to sixteen grandchildren: Mara, Steven, Kathryn, Katie, Travis, Cecelia, Simon, Kwin, Lydia, Kameron, Elexhinder, William, Trent, Zoe, Jasmine and Christian. He also leaves behind four cherished great-grandchildren: Harmony, Kasie, Kelsey, and Kimberly. He is survived by his siblings, Almon Loos (Debbie) and Sara Fikac (Rudy).
He is preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Billy Loos.
While Jim has played his final encore, his melody lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, and the various projects held together by sheer willpower and ingenuity.
A Memorial Service was held at Thiele-Cooper Funeral Home on Friday, July 31, 2026. He was buried with Military honors. Burial to follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Wounded Warriors or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.