May 9, 2023

Linn County News

Published May 10, 2023

James Francis Ptacek, 94, of Parker, Kan., died on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Kansas City Hospice House, in Kansas City, Mo.

Jim was born on Oct. 1, 1928, in Emporia, Kan., to Antone and Martha (Rezac) Ptacek.  He attended schools near Miller, Kan., until his family moved to Wichita, where he graduated from Wichita East High School. While working, Jim began studying at Wichita State University. On June 14, 1950, he married the love of his life, Mima Jeanne Hunt at Eastside Methodist Church in Wichita, Kan. They were married for 69 years before she passed away. Jim proudly served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean War stationed at Keesler Air Force Base, Biloxi, MS. After his enlistment, Jim enrolled in Kansas State University where he pursued a degree in electrical engineering, graduating in 1957 with his Bachelor’s of Science.

His career as an electrical engineer was with three companies in the Kansas City area: Vendo, Alfa Laval, and Labconco. Jim was a true do-it-yourselfer who spent hours using his resourcefulness to improve his home and repair anything from Audi 5000s to refrigerators to lawn mowers. He could often be found helping his boys or his neighbors and friends repair their vehicles. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren called him “Opa.” He was proud of his Czech heritage. For many years, he was active in Linn County Republicans and the Richland Grange.  He was a member of the Mound City United Methodist Church where he served in various positions and used his knowledge to upgrade the church electrical wiring and to install the sound system.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Mima Jeanne Ptacek; one son, Larry Ptacek; one daughter-in-law, Karen Ptacek; one grandson, Richard Francis Ptacek; two brothers, Louis and Tom; and one sister, Marjorie. 

He is survived by two sons, Steve Ptacek and Richard Ptacek and his wife Joannie; five grandchildren, Shannon Kay Kreienheder, Shelby Rae Ptacek, Mary Lee Deaver, Robert James Ptacek, and Gina Nicole Ptacek; and three great-granddaughters, Raegan Kaylyn and Scarlett Ann Kreienheder, and Gemma Moon Stone.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the Mound City United Methodist Church with a luncheon to follow. Private family interment will take place in Graceland Cemetery, Burlington, Kan. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Kansas City Hospice House or Mound City United Methodist Church in care of Schneider Funeral Home, 319 Chestnut, Mound City, Kansas 66056.