James Gerard "Jim" Cost, 71, of San Marcos, died Thursday, December 11, 2025, in San Marcos, surrounded by his family.  A private memorial service at Memory Lawn Memorial Park in Martindale will be held at a later date.

Jim was born July 3, 1954, in Piqua, Ohio, to Darwin Eugene and Geraldine (Oestriecher) Cost.  He attended St. James Catholic School in Seguin and was a 1972 graduate of San Marcos High School.  Jim worked in the Parts Department at Chuck Nash Chevrolet and at NAPA for several years in San Marcos.  He spent several years maintaining his sister's rental property in San Marcos.

Jim and his brothers, Steve & Chris, restored vintage cars and raced them in drag race competitions around the state.  He loved nature and enjoyed fishing and hunting with his dad and brothers.  He also enjoyed collecting Native American memorabilia.  Jim was an animal lover and was seldom seen without his faithful companion.  His yellow lab, Lucy, died in September before he died in December.

Jim is survived by two daughters, Carley Howard and husband Matthew of Albany and Amity Densman Pitcher of Waco; one sister, Valerie Morrison of San Marcos; two brothers, Steve Cost and Chris Cost and wife Priscilla, all of San Marcos; five grandchildren, Madeline and Mackenzie Harrell of Waco and Kerrigan, Patrick and William Howard of Albany.  He is also survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gene and Geri Cost; his sister Cindy Underwood; his brothers-in-law, John Underwood and Curt Morrison; his sister-in-law, Lauren Cost; and his niece, Ashleigh Morrison.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Brookdale North and South in San Marcos for their love and care for Jim over the last year.