John Kenjura

Driving down the gravel backroads of Latium at a leisurely 20 mph, a cold beer or two in his console and nature’s music streaming through the open windows – that was John’s favorite way to close out each day. He began his final ride, back in the driver’s seat, early November 8, 2024.

John Kenjura Jr. was born into a Polish Catholic family on August 18, 1939, to John Sr. and Rosalie in Chappell Hill, TX. The youngest of three by a dozen years, Johnny was loved and spoiled by his two older sisters, Clementine and Maggie. They were active members at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Chappell Hill, where John was baptized. After moving to Brenham, TX they joined St. Mary’s Catholic Church where John went to St. Mary’s elementary school and served as an altar boy. 

Growing up a humble farmer’s son taught John the value of working hard and dreaming big. He started earning his own money shining shoes at 8-years-old. He moved on to delivering papers before beginning his favorite job around the age of 12, working at a local bakery making donuts. Little did John know the important role donuts would play in his later years when he was lovingly nicknamed “The Donut Man,” first by his grandchildren and then by his great-grandchildren for delivering the sweet treats. 

John met his life-long love and wife of 62 years, Julie, at a county fair in Bellville. Despite first failing to impress her with his new 1959 Chevrolet, she later agreed to go on a date with him. Two years later, they were married on June 30, 1962, in the Frelsburg Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. 

Continuing to work hard, sacrifice, and put his stubborn streak to good use, John definitely proved “this Polack’s” worth throughout his life. After leaving high school before graduating (when he found out he was ineligible to play football his Senior year because he was over the allowed age by just days), John got a job in Houston making company signs with his friend Steve Przyborski. Later, he returned to Brenham to work for Fischer Tile & Floor Co. -- this is where he discovered his love for the tile and floor business. 

In 1966, at the age of 27 and with their third child on the way, John and Julie took a huge leap of faith – they started the Kenjura Tile Company out of their 900 sq ft home. Through some ups and many downs, unlimited sacrifices, and pure grit, they created a thriving business that supported (and continues to support) their family and the families of their employees. This successful company grew from a local small business with a couple of employees to a nationally known and respected company, employing as many as 120. 

John diversified his ambitions when he started K&H Portable Toilets in 1980. He then went in a different direction when he co-founded two new endeavors: B&K Car Wash in 1998, and Kountry Boys Sausage in 2000. They were in business together until 2006, and Kountry Boys remains a well-known successful business today. Of all his other business successes, John was especially proud and honored to be a Founding Member and Board of Director of Bank of Brenham since 2001.  

Known for his generosity, John was just as quick to help a family member or friend as he was to help someone he just met. While his love knew no bounds, you didn’t want to disappoint him. Once you were on John’s bad side, it could take some time (and maybe a few six-packs of Budweiser) to get back on his good one. He expected a lot from those in his inner circle, but no more than he was ready and willing to give of himself.  

He filled many roles and was known by several names: Johnny, JJ, Dad, Boss, Jadusch, Big Man, Big John, Patron -- and a few not suitable for print. He was a devoted husband, loving dad, a tough but fair boss, and Jadusch to 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. 

John and Julie went to Las Vegas for the first time on her 50th birthday. To say they caught the gambling bug is an understatement. They had many adventures to Las Vegas before discovering Louisiana casinos. The slot machines were their main entertainment. To keep the marital bliss, they each had their own stash of cash to gamble; sometimes one would ask the other for some extra money if their day had been a bust. Not sure if John and Julie shared their winnings, but more than likely they did. 

John loved God, his family and his Country. He loved to fish with his family and his friends Ted and Steve. Taking his young children to a deer blind in the early morning hours were some of his favorite memories. Raising cattle and working the land brought John hours of happiness, frustration, satisfaction and pride. He brought some of his gambling luck back from the casinos when he won the Texas Lottery in 1995. The happiest periods of John’s later life were the times and celebrations he spent with his grandchildren and great-grands. They truly are his and Julie’s heart. 

Our family will keep John’s memory alive through our love, memories and shared stories. He is greatly loved by his wife, Julie (Vasicek), and their four children, their spouses, children and grandchildren: Son Rick & Linda with their family Megan & Kris Rigsby; Cole, Gabbi & Kase; Bailey & Daniel Brinson, Ruth & Vivian; Paige & her fiancé Connor Klussmann; and Maggie Jane. Daughter Sharon & Mark Williams with their family Jamie & Justin O’Brien, Noah, Piper and Callahan; and Carter. Daughter Connie & Mike Maples with their family Taylor & Kevin Vanderbok, Garrett & Rebbecca Matlock, and Carley. Daughter Lorrie & Jeff Grimm with their family Casey Lyons, Michaela Lyons, Austin Grimm, and Amanda & Chase Martin. John’s bonus son Val Pimental & Emilia and their children. And all John’s aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, colleagues, and employees.  

John was welcomed into his Heavenly home by his parents, John Sr. & Rosalie, his sisters Magdaline Mary Kenjura and Clementine Frances & her husband Thomas Joseph Bugaj. 

Visitation will be 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Monday, November 11, 2024 with a Rosary starting at 6:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel. The Funeral Service is at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with burial following in the Calvary Cemetery. 

Pallbearers are John and Julie’s grandchildren: Cole, Maggie Jane, Garrett, Carter, Justin, Austin, and Kevin. Along with Val Pimental and Will Murski. Honorary pallbearers are Ted Zientek, Steve Przyborski (in spirit), Darrell Murski, Bill Nutt, the employees of Kenjura Tile, K&H, and KT Auto, and his friends and the employees of the Bank of Brenham.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one of John and Julie’s favorite charities or church:

Margaret E. Blizzard Senior Activity Center, 1301 E. Tom Green St. (P.O. Box 401), Brenham, TX 77834

St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 701 Church St., Brenham, TX 77833