James 'Jim' Joseph Pavelka

JAMES "JIM" JOSEPH PAVELKA

Martelle

James "Jim" Joseph Pavelka, 94, of Martelle, died Monday, May 7, 2018, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Funeral mass will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 11, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Solon with burial to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, May 10, 2018, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Solon, located at 100 S. Cedar St.

Jim was born Feb. 5, 1924, in Solon, the son of James A. and Blanch (Brush) Pavelka. He graduated from Solon High School in 1942. He joined the Navy in 1944 and served in the South Pacific Theater and was honorably discharged in 1946. Jim was united in marriage to Jean LeClair Peet on June 5, 1947, in Lisbon, Iowa. Jim had his own AG lime business, JJ Pavelka Ag Lime, for 40-plus years. He was a member of the American Legion in Solon and a member of the Martelle Volunteer Fire department for 36 years, serving as the fire chief during part of that time. Jim enjoyed camping, fishing at Kabetogama Lake in Minnesota, spending winters in Zapata, Texas, playing euchre and, most importantly, spending time with his family.

Jim is survived by his children, Jeff Pavelka of Grand Marais, Minn., Anthony (Linda) Pavelka of Fairfield Bay, Ark., and Dan (Diann) Pavelka of Lisbon; grandchildren, Sean (Annie) Jensen and Angie (Aaron) Beik; great-grandchildren, Alex, Kale, Makayla and Miranda; his sister, Mary Vanderpool, Arizona; numerous nieces and nephews; and a very special friend, Sandy Davis, Martelle.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, of 68 years; his parents; and his sisters, Florence Pavelka and Dorothy Kuceyeski.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.