James Nowadzky

JAMES R. NOWADZKY

Cedar Rapids

James R. Nowadzky, 87, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016, at Heritage Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Monday at St. Ludmila Catholic Church by Father Dennis Juhl. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Papich-Kuba Janeba Chapel West, 1604 J St. SW, and after 9:30 a.m. Monday at the church. A Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree rosary will be held at 4 p.m. and a parish vigil service at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Military honors will be accorded by American Legion Swisher Post 6711 at the church following the Mass. A luncheon will follow the military honors. There will be a private burial service at St. John's Cemetery at a later date.

James is survived by his wife of 68 years, Harriet; two sons, Roger Nowadzky of Des Moines and Rodney (Teresa) Nowadzky of Castle Rock, Colo.; four granddaughters, Jill Montegna, Brooke, Allison and Elizabeth Nowadzky; one grandson, Robert Nowadzky; two great-granddaughters, Zoey and Daisy Nowadzky; one great-grandson, Caleb Montegna; and a brother-in-law, Marvin Kacer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Leona Betzer; and sister-in-law, Patricia Kacer.

James Richard Nowadzky was born May 26, 1928, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Frank and Edna Nowadzky. He attended Roosevelt Senior High School. In 1944, leaving his senior year to enlist in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he proudly served his country in the South Pacific Theater. In July 1946, he returned home after honorable years of service. He remained in the Naval Reserve for 12 years. He married his high school sweetheart, Harriet Mary Kacer, on July 12, 1947.

Jim pursued his career, completing his education at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the Lincoln Institute. Jim was employed by Link-Belt (FMC Corporation) as a welder foreman and elevated to the sales department as an industrial engineer. During his tenure working in the Bowling Green, Ky., plant, on Aug. 30, 1982, the Commonwealth of Kentucky Gov. John Y. Brown Jr. commissioned the honor of Kentucky Colonel to James Richard Nowadzky. Jim retired after 39 years of service in 1985.

Jim was very active for 30 years in the Boy Scouts of America. He started both Boy Scout Troop 10 at St. Jude's Catholic Church, serving as scoutmaster, and the K of C Columbian Squires Circle, and was a longtime council adviser and district commissioner. He significantly contributed to the lives and careers of many former Boy Scouts. Jim received the highest award in Scouting, the Silver Beaver, in January 1972.

He was a member of the American Legion for 65 years and Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree (Bowen General Assembly). Jim helped start two K of C Councils – St. Jude's in Cedar Rapids and St. Bernadette's in Panama City Beach, Fla. (Council 11850).

Jim enjoyed the outdoors, camping with the Boy Scouts, fishing trips to Canada, hunting in Iron Mountain, Mich., working at his family resort, "Fisherman's Paradise," in Hayward, Wis., enjoying his houseboat, "The Ark," bowling on three major leagues, golfing and all sports.

He was an avid Hawkeye fan, attending many bowl games. He also was involved with his sons' sports and activities.

After retirement, Jim and Harriet moved to Panama City Beach, Fla. During the 16 years of living there, Jim was very active in various organizations and St. Bernadette's Catholic Church. He served on the board of directors at the Panama City Beach Senior Center and was very active singing with the Barbershop Quartet. Due to Jim's failing health, it was best to return to Cedar Rapids, where he kept busy woodcarving, acrylic painting, surfing the Internet and cheering for the Hawkeyes.

One of his proudest moments was going on an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., accompanied by his son, Roger.

Jim's knowledge will be deeply missed. He knew how to do almost everything.

Jim will be remembered as a friendly person who liked people and loved his family. He taught his sons, through example, the power of education, hard work, commitment, faith, family and forgiveness which were all central in his life.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established and contributions may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.papich-kubafs.com under "obituaries."