James Lester

Hebel

James Lester Hebel, 87, of Palacios passed away November 8, 2026. He was born May 24, 1939 in Palacios, Texas to the late James Jesse Hebel and Myrtle Alice Snider Hebel.

James worked as a machinist at Alcoa for more than 34 years. Before joining Alcoa, he worked as a shrimper and carpenter. He learned carpentry from his father and, together with his wife, built their own home. He even built boats, complete with fiberglass. Later, he helped his son build a hunting cabin in Junction. A perfectionist in everything he did, James never settled for “good enough.”

Family was at the heart of James’s life. He cherished summer vacations and travels across the country with his family, as well as holiday gatherings that brought everyone together. He especially enjoyed cheering on his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as they played sports.

James enjoyed fishing, oystering, and hunting, and always looked forward to opening weekend of deer season in Junction with his family. He also loved mowing grass, not just his own. He would haul his lawn mower to friends and relatives’ homes to tend their yards, and he spent several years mowing the golf course in Palacios.

He had a soft spot for animals, including his newest dog, Duke, who found his way into James’s life. He also loved ice cream, and his freezer was always stocked with a variety of Blue Bell flavors, especially his favorite, Black Walnut.

James had a huge heart and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Martha Joyce Hebel, a grandson Joshua Allen Hebel and a sister Carrie Lee “KeeKee” Hebel.

Survivors include him companion Bobbie Shreve; sons James Edwin Hebel (Kacey), John Gary Hebel (Laura) and Jeffery Allen Hebel; sister Anita Sue Keeling (Roger); grandchildren Jessica Sexton (Greg), Branson Hebel and Sarah Hebel and great grandchildren Trey Sexton and Greyson Sexton.

The family will receive friends and relative from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Monday, November 16, 2026 at the Palacios Funeral Home. Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at the First United Methodist Church in Palacios with Rev. Paul Klemm officiating. Interment will follow at the Palacios Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Denny Jenkins, Jamie Stuhrenberg, James Lee Snider, Aaron Wollam, Johnie Wayne Snider and Zach Tucker.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made the Joshua Allen Hebel Memorial Scholarship Fund at Prosperity Bank.