James Fox

James Richard Fox, age 78, died peacefully at his home in the “Old Rockport Hood” on Monday, July 15, 2019. Born December 19, 1940 into a commercial fishing family he immediately fell in love with the Gulf coast bays and waterways. After he graduated from Rockport High School in 1959 he attended Southwest Texas State University. After a short stint in college he was “politely” asked to leave by the Comal/Hays County Sheriffs. Shortly after leaving college he enlisted in the Airforce in 1965. Upon his return from Vietnam he spent the majority of his life on the waters around the Coastal Bend and in 1968 became a full time fishing and hunting guide. His experience hunting and fishing covered the entire Gulf Coast, Florida, Florida Keys,  Mexico, and the Bahamas.

Fox was a past chairman of R-F Ducks Unlimited Chapter and a founding member and past president of the Aransas Bay Chapter of CCA. He was a founder of the largest women’s fishing tournament Babes on the Bay. He served six years on the Redfish Bay State Scientific Research Area Advisory Committee and served on the site selection committee for the Mission-Aransas NERR. He was instrumental in the re-opening of Cedar Bayou and Vinson Slough.

His passion for the sport of fishing, wildlife conservation, and support of local artists showed in many ways. He touched the hearts of many in the Coastal Bend area through his dedication and accomplishments. He was a teacher, mentor, hell raiser, and the pulse of Rockport for 78 years. He was a colorful man with a unique personality and was more than a friend to all walks of life.

He is preceded in death by his parents Richard John and L.E. Fox.

Fox is survived by his loving wife of nearly 23 years Laura Fox, sister: Julia Huff (Chris), children: Jeffery Fox, Julia Siltmann (Justin), Jennifer Fox (Ryan), JoAnn Fox, grandchildren: Felicia, Micah, Rylein, Madison, Connor, Kiley, Alex, Lily, and Sadie, great grandchildren: Jayden and Sunny James, numerous nieces and nephews, his “Pups”, and wanna-be grandkids.

His memorial service will be held at 2 pm Saturday July 20, 2019 at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home in Rockport, TX.