J. E. Gooch, 83, of Hemphill, Texas passed away Friday, January 1, 2021 at Shady Acres Nursing Home in Newton, Texas.

J. E. was born on August 16, 1937 in Sabine Town, Sabine County, Texas to Robert Lawrence Gooch and Ida Youngblood Gooch. He worked for many years as a supervisor for American General Life Insurance. He had resided in Hemphill since 1994, having previously lived in Houston.  He loved to hunt and fish and was an avid storyteller.

J. E. was a member of Harper Chapel, Littleton Fowler Masonic Lodge 305, Melrose Masonic Lodge of Houston, Scottish Rites in Houston, and Sons of the Republic of Texas.

J. E. is survived by his wife, Nina Gooch of Hemphill; daughter, Cindy Gooch Mims and husband, Mike, of Hemphill; grandchildren, Nicole Wade, Marcus Fishbeck, Matthew Fishbeck, and Kayla Doubrava; and seven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kim Gooch Fishbeck; brothers, C. P. Gooch and R. F. Gooch; and sisters, Pauline Neal, Marcille Moore, and Edelle Jackson.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at Harper Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Starr Funeral Home with Bro. Buddy Pratt officiating.

Serving as pallbearers are Marcus Fishbeck, Matthew Fishbeck, Dean McGee, Jason McGee, Bob Neal, and Bobby Neal.

Honorary pallbearers are Mike Mims, Chester Blackmann, Colton Bailey, Caleb McElroy, Will Doubrava, Tommy Neal, Josh Neal, Frank Coday, Roger Coday, Keith Arthur, Alan McDaniel, and Kirk Butler.

Condolences can be made and guest book may be signed online at starrfuneralhome.com.