ZAPATA, TEXAS-- It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and dear friend, Jimmy W. Morace, affectionately known as Butch.

Butch went home to be with the Lord on July 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at his home in Zapata, Texas. His legacy of love, strength, and kindness will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Butch was born in Zachary, Louisiana, and spent much of his early childhood moving from place to place. In the summer of 1975, he found his way to Zapata, Texas—a place that would become home for the rest of his life. It was here that his love for sports truly blossomed. He excelled in multiple sports throughout high school, which eventually earned him the opportunity to play college football at Ranger Junior College.

During those high school years, he also met the love of his life, Melva. The two married on October 22, 1983, and together built a beautiful life rooted in love, family, and community. They raised three wonderful children and spent countless years passionately supporting them at every school and sporting event.

Butch dedicated most of his working years to the oil field, providing for his family with unwavering dedication. In 2020, he decided it was time to slow down and enjoy the sweeter side of life. Retirement didn't mean slowing his pace when it came to the things he loved—he shifted that same passion into following his grandchildren to their games and events.

When he wasn't cheering on his grandkids, you could almost always find him out on Falcon Lake with a fishing pole in hand, soaking up the peace and joy that came with every cast. On days too hot for fishing, Butch would be under the carport, lost in a good book—often one he'd just picked up from the Zapata County Library. He was an avid reader who appreciated a great story.

Saturdays were sacred during football season. Butch loved nothing more than watching college football all day long—cheering, analyzing, and enjoying every play. It was one of his favorite ways to unwind and spend time with family. His weekends often centered around food, football, and family—three of his greatest joys.

Butch also had a deep love for cooking. He especially enjoyed being in the kitchen with his family, turning even simple meals into special memories. One of his signature dishes was rice and gravy, made with any type of meat they could find—seasoned with love and served with stories and laughter.

Butch lived a full, beautiful life anchored in faith, family, and the simple joys that made each day meaningful. Butch was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

He was welcomed into eternity by his parents Billy Roy Morace, Sr., Josephine B. Bayless and Calvin Bayless. Father-In-Law Aguinaldo Navarro, Sr. Brothers-In-Law Aguinaldo Navarro, Jr. and Sergio Navarro. Great-Grand Son Arturito Ramirez, III and Nieces Danielle and Stefanie Morace.

Those left to cherish his memory include the love of his life, Melva N. Morace, Son Joseph (Aleida) Morace, Daughter Samantha (Carlos) Lopez, and Son Billy Roy (Marlene) Morace, III. Grandchildren Kaylee Ann, Melanee Ann, Kyvelee Ann, Adreana Joeli Castillo, Clarissa (Arturo) Ramirez, II, Estevan Javier Gutierrez, Ryan Cole Morace and Mia Annette Morace, Great-Grand Daughter Aliza Itzel Ramirez. Brother Billy Roy (Jan) Morace, Jr., Johnny B. (Sherrie) Morace and Sister Irma Noack. Mother-In-Law Esperanza Navarro, Sisters-In-Law Lourdes (Roberto†) Lopez, Linda (Juan) Segovia.  Brothers-In-Law Carlos (Sandra) Navarro, Juan A. (Paula) Navarro, Cesar (Bonnie) Navarro and Arturo (Irene) Navarro and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers: Joseph W. Morace, Billy Roy Morace, II, Carlos Navarro, Carlos Lopez, Estevan Javier Gutierrez, Rene Lopez

Honorary Pallbearers: Ryan Cole Morace, Juan A. Navarro, Cesar H. Navarro, Arturo E. Navarro, Johnny B. Morace, Billy Morace, Jr., Jose Antonio Martinez, Honorable Judge Joseph Rathmell

On Saturday, July 12, 2025, we will open at 8:30 a.m. and depart at 10:30 a.m. for a funeral mass at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Zapata, Texas.

Committal services will follow at Zapata County Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rose Garden Funeral Home Daniel A. Gonzalez, Funeral director, 2102 N US HWY 83 Zapata, Texas.