James Jerome

Rekieta

James Jerome Rekieta of Reagan, Texas passed away at his home Sunday morning, November 8, 2026. James was born in Marlin on July 27, 1957, the fourth of nine children to John and Christine “Muzyka” Rekieta.

James graduated from Bremond High school in 1975, where he played football and ran track.

Raised on the family farm, James spent many hours outside helping, with his siblings and parents. He would watch the crop dusters fly over the fields. Looking up at the sky he promised himself he’d trade the ground for their view from above one day.

Two days before his 32nd birthday he fulfilled his childhood dream by earning his private pilot license. Just 12 years later, he’d take his passion a step further by building the 1st of 2 hand- crafted planes. Construction takes an estimate, 1,200 man hours earning formal recognition from the Waco Chapter 59 of Experimental Aircraft Association. Today James 1st aircraft is still in the air. The plane bares a personal touch from James; the tale is tagged N57AJ, for Ann and James, honoring his wife and partner of 48 years, Ann Rekieta.

In 2018 James retired from NRG powerplant after 33 years. Alongside his Carrer NRG, James spent decades raising and selling cattle on his ranch in Regan. James is survivors by his wife Ann Hay Rekieta, son Jonathan Rekieta and granddaughter Maggie Rekieta.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church or to the Marlin Public Library. Services will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 514 Carter Street, Marlin, Texas November 18, 2026 at 2:00 pm.