Roll Call Tribute

Joseph David Bujnoch, Sr. 

November 27, 1946 - July 6, 2024 

Joseph (J.D.) David Bujnoch, Sr., born November 27, 1946, in Yoakum, TX, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2024. He was the beloved son of Ludmilla (Lillie) Kutach Bujnoch and Julius Joe Bujnoch.

Joe spent his early years immersed in the farming and fishing communities of Port Lavaca and Six Mile, learning invaluable skills from his parents and great uncles Raymond and Laige Boehm on their farm. He worked at Coastal Motor Company alongside his Dad starting at age seven. His passion for agriculture and nature blossomed during weekends at the family homestead in Koerth, which he helped work throughout his life. Growing up, he and his cousins (Spaceks and Janaks) spent summers and weekends just being country boys. An avid sports enthusiast, Joe loved the Astros and found inspiration in the writings of Robert Frost.

He pursued higher education at Texas A&M University, graduating in 1970 with a degree in Agricultural Economics. Joe married his lifelong partner, Edith Johnson, and together they built a fulfilling life centered around family, fishing, ranching, and education.

In LaVernia, Texas, Joe established his own herd of cross-bred cattle and a thriving custom hay baling business renowned for its high-quality products, which he supplied to exotic ranches and feed stores in San Antonio. Alongside his friends Willie Applewhite, Benny Brooks, Johnny Perez, and Wayne Wooten, Joe's hard work and dedication supported his family and fostered enduring friendships.

Weekends were reserved for fishing and hunting trips, pursuits that brought Joe great joy. He owned a shrimp boat and later a flounder boat in Port Lavaca, where he cherished time on the water.

Joe later managed a Beefmaster ranch in Cistern, Texas, where he oversaw significant agricultural initiatives including irrigation systems, cattle breeding programs, and hydroponic vegetable cultivation. He was active in the BBU, Texas Farm Bureau and ICA. He was also recognized by the Flatonia FFA, 4-H and Future Homemakers of America. His compassionate nature extended beyond farming; he sponsored two families on their path to citizenship, embracing Nacho and Apache as cherished members of his extended family.

Transitioning into a career in education, Joe found fulfillment teaching special education, specializing in emotionally disturbed children. His patience and understanding left an indelible mark on the lives of his students in Premont, Cuero, Odem, Gonzales and Schulenburg ISD.

Retirement brought Joe and Edith to Port Aransas, where Joe indulged his passion for surf fishing, travel to Las Vegas, Rhode Island, Florida and shared memorable offshore fishing adventures with his sons. A devout Catholic, Joe faithfully prayed the rosary daily, offering special intentions for his beloved family.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Edith Bujnoch, they married July 29, 1967, his children Joseph David, Jr., (Tracy) Bujnoch of Corpus Christi, Joanne (David) Soward of Rockport, Carol (Jeff) Asci of Wyoming, Rhode Island, and Raymond Bujnoch (Hein Nguyen) of Corpus Christi. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren Emily (Matthew) Gaither, Alexander Klein (Avery Bertanga), Evan Asci, and Lillian Asci. J.D. is also survived by his sisters Judy Rayburn, Patsy (Dennis) Evins, Bernie Smalley, and Mary Kay (Rocky) Barnett. Joe was preceded in death by his infant sisters, Catherine and Marie Bujnoch, and his parents Julius and Lillie Bujnoch.

Memorial Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 13202 FM 531, Koerth, Texas; with Interment to follow at the Cemetery on-site.

Joe Bujnoch's legacy lives on through his family, his contributions to agriculture and education, and the enduring friendships he cultivated throughout his life. His dedication to hard work, education, and appreciation of nature will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him.

The family thanks the special staff at DaVita Kidney Dialysis, DeTar Hospital- Navarro and PAM Rehabilitation Center, Victoria.