Obituaries

James Michael (Mike) Gossett, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, at the age of 77, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on September 5, 1948, in Gainesville, Texas, Mike lived a life marked by devotion to family, caring for his community, and a great love for the outdoors.

Mike was the beloved son of Joe Bibb Gossett and Mabel Elaine Carlson Gossett. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Deanna Kay Gossett Malseed, whom he dearly missed. Mike leaves behind a loving family who will forever treasure his memory: his devoted wife of 55 years, Janet Faye Peters Gossett; his son, Michael Andrew Gossett, and daughter-in-law, Hilary; his daughter, Beth Ellen Gossett McKenney; grandsons, Joshua Luke McKenney, Sean Thomas Gossett, and Caleb Mason Gossett; granddaughter, Moriah Grace McKenney; his brother, Terry Gossett and sister-in-law, Bee, along with their children, Rhea and Lee; his brother-in-law, Larry Peters and sister-in-law, Dee, along with their sons Ryan, Nick and David.

Mike and Jan's love story began in Austin at the University of Texas. They married on December 26, 1970 after both graduated proud Longhorns. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. They raised two wonderful children and found joy in the company of their growing family, celebrating vacations of travel all over the U.S. as well as weekend trips to their beloved nearby cabin in Wimberley. Wonderful Memories!

A proud alumnus of Silsbee High School, class of 1966, Mike pursued higher education with passion and determination. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin in 1970 and later achieved his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from South Texas School of Law in Houston in 1974. His professional journey was distinguished by his service to the state of Texas in the Human Resources Department, and later as the assistant to the County Judge in Beaumont. His career flourished in San Marcos, where he practiced law with integrity and dedication for 35 years at Kyle, Walker, and Gossett.

Mike was a lifelong Methodist, and he served as president of the Methodist Youth Fellowship of Silsbee. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church in San Marcos. His leadership extended beyond the church, having served as president of the Hays County Bar Association in 1982, and Southside Community Center in 1984. A man of the community, Mike was also a longtime member of Sertoma and the Cattlemen's Association.

His love for the great outdoors was well known, particularly his affection for the San Marcos River, where he spent countless hours fishing, camping, and canoeing. Mike had a vibrant spirit that thrived on travel and connecting with people from all walks of life. A dedicated supporter of the University of Texas Longhorns, he was a FEROCIOUS fan of their football team and all UT sports. He also loved music and reading nonfiction books about World War II and the Vietnam War.

A celebration of Mike's life will be held at the First United Methodist Church, located at 129 West Hutchison Street, San Marcos, Texas 78666. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Mike's memory to El Centro, an organization close to his heart, at https://www.sanmarcoscentro.org.

Mike's life was a testament to love, dedication, and service. His legacy will be carried on by those he loved and served, and his memory will forever be cherished by all who knew him.