James C. "Cotton" Baerwald
August 28, 1941 ~ January 6, 2020
James Charles “Cotton” Baerwald went to be with the Lord January 6, 2020. He was born August 28, 1941 in New Braunfels, Texas to Roland and Ilka Baerwald. James attended Sam Houston High School. He married Shirley Rencher and raised four sons together. He was very stern with his children but made sure to raise them right. James was a truck driver for most of his career and instilled in his kids a strong work ethic. As an outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing and hunting throughout his life. James is preceded in death by his parents and son, Jimmy Baerwald.
Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Roland (Cindy) Baerwald, Arnie (Darlene) Baerwald, and Dougie Baerwald; grandchildren, Kristy Baerwald, Jason Baerwald, Amanda (Andrew) Mendez, Brandon Baerwald, and Logan Baerwald; great-grandchildren, Elliot and Ethan Mendez. James will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
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Your memories will forever be in my heart. We will miss you always.
Cotton taught me that I could make my coffee as strong as I wanted and it would not be bitter, as long as I added a pinch of salt to the grounds. I am honored to have known him. Rest in peace. -Nandy
I’m in disbelief just now finding this by chance 😓 a little lost for words. I must say whoever created his obituary was SPOT ON! (from the bottom of my heart I appreciate being apart of this, it means more then you could understand) all throughout childhood I was convinced you survived off coffee and cold beer, selective hearing and ‘yelling’🤣 I swore you were just so mean and hated the world all because of the TONE your voice always held. It wasn’t until that 2 hour talk we shared the week of my high school graduation. I’d never seen GRANDPA CRY!! (ALL THESE YEARS HE HAD “NO FEELINGS” I thought) lol. Life has a round about way of shining brighter light with understanding during the perfect hour. a Father’s Love never dies just like a Mothers doesn’t.. Elevation required separation. i love you Grandpa. Thank you for today’s lesson I missed the meaning of before… Until we meet again for another dance on the dance floor🥰🙃