TEXAS CITY– John Paul Court passed away at the age of 82 on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Texas City. 

John was born August 26, 1943, in Rockport, and he was a proud Texan who lived in Galveston, Hitchcock, La Marque, and most recently, Texas City. He was an avid collector of vintage and modern guns as well as rare coins. He was a member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church and was involved in many organizations, including Past King of the Domestic Krewe of Aquarius, the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Galveston, the Pony Colt League and Texas Youth Football in La Marque, and the Jaycees in Texas City.

While it’s nearly impossible to sum up the life of any one person with just a few words, the three that we believe best define the extraordinary life of John Court are: service, kindness, and family.

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy on the commissioning crew of the USS Hoel, where he traveled the world and was deployed during the Vietnam War. He remained in touch with his brothers in arms and always looked forward to attending reunions over the years. After the service, John built a respected career as a member of the Pipe Fitters Local 211 working for Farmers Marine Copper Works, where he earned the affectionate nickname, “Speedy.” There was nothing his mind couldn’t imagine that his hands couldn’t make, repair, or improve. Speedy was always willing to lend a hand when asked and his skills and expertise were so valued that, when he retired after 43 years, Farmers continued to lean on him to serve as a mentor and trainer for the next generation of pipe fitters and union workers. 

John would willingly give you a dollar, some advice, or a shoulder to lean on. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. Not the formal, stuffy kind, but rather he was a gentle man. Soft spoken with a quiet kindness that made you glad you knew him. In fact, everyone that knew him knew he could fix anything (a trait he expertly passed on to his son). But his real talent was the uncanny ability to give you his full attention and to make every situation, every experience, and every person he met along the way…better.

John married Rose Matilda Flores November 22, 1966, and this year marks their 60th wedding anniversary. Together, they raised their family with John as the proud patriarch. He is the beloved father to three, grandfather to eight, great-grandfather to nine (with one on the way), and a friend and neighbor to all. He was never happier than when he was surrounded by those who loved him and nothing gave him greater pleasure than taking care of those he loved. The thousands of family photos which remain are a testament to a life well-lived. He was neither loud nor boisterous, preferring instead to linger in the quiet among the chaos, take in every moment, and smile. 

His family was everything to him, and he was and is beloved beyond measure. He will be missed every day.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Robert and Lela (Ezell) Court; brothers Sam Wix, Douglas Wix, Bill Wix, Frank Wix; sisters Mildred Hack, Charity (Cherry) Mason, and Cora Smith. 

He leaves behind his wife, Rose Matilda (Flores) Court; son, John Robert Court and wife, Kimberly of Middletown, Delaware; daughters, Margaret Corfield of Clear Lake; Helene Michele Riggs of Texas City; sister, JoAnn Janes of LaPorte; and 8 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Visitation with the family will be from 11 a.m. to Noon, followed by a funeral service at Noon on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in the chapel of Hayes Funeral Home, 10412 Highway 6, Hitchcock, Texas. Pastor Malcolm Dotson will officiate.