James was born on April 24, 1948 on his parents’ farm southwest of Lucas, KS.
He completed Kindergarten through 8th grade at the proverbial
country one room school house located not far from their farm. High
School they bused them to the “city high school” in Lucas. James never
really liked the educational part of school, but he enjoyed the social
aspect and football. He got his nose broken in high school playing
football.
How did he get the nickname Shake? He bought and installed a CB
radio in the brand new Chevy Nova in the early 70’s. His CB name was
Shake. Well, it just kind of stuck. He probably preferred it to being
called Junior but he wouldn’t tell you that. He was never much of a
complainer.
After High School he continued sports by bowling leagues, rumors of
300 pts. He played Men’s softball and even was on a pool/billiards
league at one time. He was supportive of the local school sports
attending most home games and contributing to the booster club.
James joined the Lucas Volunteer Fire Department in 1967 and proudly
served until 2017. For this service he was honored in 2018. Some
would say he told them “I’ve been fighting fires since before you were
born!” Just one of his many ways of giving back to his community.
James started working for the City of Lucas on April 1, 1975. He
continued working for the City up until his retirement in December 2015.
He also trained his replacement so “they would know the right way to
do that job.” He was honored for his years of service on April 1, 2015,
and was given an award and a key to the city, it is called James
“Shake” Rezabek day.
If there was a joke to be told or a prank to be pulled you would be
sure to find Shake involved in the thick of it. Shenanigans should have
been his middle name. There are way too many stories to tell. James
liked being part of his family historians. He has books and pictures
and newspaper articles showing his family living in and being a part of
the start of Lucas and the surrounding areas.
James was a hunter, even coon hunting. Duck, pheasant, quail, geese
and deer’s were told to be on the lookout for Shake. He enjoyed
fishing; he had one or two good fish stories, mostly about the ones that
got away. He brought home a very good catch almost every time he went
out. He claimed it was because he talked nice to the fish. James was
proud and cared for his garden. Reaching a little under a half acre, he
fed more than just himself from it. Vegetables flourished there for
many years.
Preceded in death by his beloved parents James and Jacqueline
“Joyce” (Libal) Rezabek and his big sister, Judith (Rezabek) Hall. He
is survived by his brother, Richard Rezabek. Also his niece Deanna
(Hall) Marchal, nephew Alvin (Barb) Hall, niece, Veronica Hall and
nephew, Steven Rezabek and numerous great nieces and nephews, a
multitude of cousins and the friends he considered family.
His body may have failed but his soul will live on. He was a kind
man, the kind that would give you the shirt off his back if you needed
it. He was never intentionally mean to another person and we all could
use that as an example. He loved other people, his family and animals,
his pet squirrel will miss the feeding that they got from him. The Dr
said he had cheated death for a couple of years and this was his time to
go.
Click HERE for service details.