James "Jim" W. Prochazka, 79, of Atwood, Kansas passed peacefully from this life on September 6, 2020, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born in McCook, NE to Bertha (Horinek) and Wenceslaus (W.E.) Prochazka
on November 17, 1940, James was a lifelong resident of Rawlins County,
KS. He attended elementary school at Queen of Driftwood School in the
Driftwood Township of Northern Rawlins County, followed by Saint
Joseph's Military Academy in Hays, KS, graduating with the Class of
1958. Following a year at Kansas State University, Jim joined the Army
Reserves in 1960, spending time in Fort Leonard Wood, MO and Fort
Jackson, SC until his honorable discharge in 1965. He then returned to
the family farm to pursue his passion of livestock, horses, farming, and
ranching with his father. With unwavering pride in his community, Jim
donated his time to many local councils and boards over the years,
including 4-H Council, Rawlins County Rodeo Association, USD 318 School
Board, Sacred Heart Catholic Church Parish Council, Rawlins County
Extension Council, and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.
On April 16, 1966, Jim married Patricia A. Arnold, daughter of Simon and
Aldea (Plante) Arnold. Unto their union were born five children:
Vanessa, Marcus, Valarie, Veanna, and Nicholas.
Jim's adult years were spent on the farm and cattle feeding operation
where he would eventually move his family in 1979. Following their
years on the farm, Jim continued to provide for his family as owner of
feedlot pen cleaning and excavating businesses, and as an owner operator
for Landstar Inway for many years. Jim continued to be active into his
retirement, with a few part-time jobs, none more enjoyable than his time
spent, and friendships formed at CS Gas Company in Atwood.
Jim maintained his role as the emotional and spiritual compass for his
family throughout his life. A proud and dedicated patriarch, his family
knew everything would be OK when Jim arrived with his calm presence.
Relationships were important, and those close to Jim never had to
question his admiration for them, especially his wife, children, and
grandchildren. Jim was an avid gardening enthusiast and hero to 16
grandchildren who thought he hung the moon. While generally a man of
few words, he also cherished visits with family and friends, and, if you
caught him at the right time, could find yourself in a conversation
that could last for hours.
James is preceded in death by parents, Bertha (Horinek) and W.E.
Prochazka both Atwood, KS. He is survived by his wife of 54 years,
Patricia (Arnold) Prochazka, Atwood, KS; daughter Vanessa (Doug) Merz,
Atwood, KS, and their children, Kaitlin, Atwood, KS, Parker, Atwood, KS,
Ashlynn, Manhattan, KS, and Rileyanne, Atwood, KS; son Marcus
(Danielle) Prochazka, Greeley, CO and their daughters, Arianne and
Gracie, Loveland, CO; daughter Valarie (Andy) Grollmes, Minden, NE and
their sons, Luke, Landon and Logan, Minden, NE; daughter Veanna (Mitch)
Loucks, Salina, KS, and their children, Avery, Annalise, Aiden, Brody
and Breckyn, Salina, KS; son Nicholas (Karen) Prochazka, Colby, KS and
their daughters, Annica and Olivia, Colby, KS; sisters, Mary Jane
(Butch) Mires, McCook, NE, and Janet (the late Mick) Krahe, Topeka, KS;
many nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.
Visitation will be 12:00 - 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at
Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood, then 5:00- 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic
Church, Atwood, followed by Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7:00 p.m.
in the church. Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September
10th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Atwood with burial to follow in
Mount Calvary Cemetery, Atwood. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the family
strongly encourages the use of face coverings and social distancing as
appropriate.
Memorials in Jim’s honor can be made to the James W. Prochazka Memorial
Fund and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701.
For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com