James Franklin Bucek

James Franklin “Jimmy” Bucek, 91, of Hallettsville, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, May 18, 2022. 

 He was born on Sept. 4, 1930 in Hallettsville to Julius and Margaret Bucek.    

He spent most of his early life in Hallettsville and then raised his family in Fort Worth.    He graduated from Hallettsville High School and from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio.    Jimmy served four years in the Navy during the Korean war.    

Jimmy married the love of his life, Joyce Elizabeth Drozd in 1952 in San Antonio    and they celebrated over 64 years of marriage.    They lived in Fort Worth for over 40 years and attended Holy Name Catholic Church. 

He worked for Lever Brothers for over 25 years and retired at the age of 60.      

Joyce and Jimmy moved to Hallettsville in 2006 to enjoy their retirement.    Jimmy enjoyed gardening, cooking, sharing his recipes and the Texas Aggies.      He loved sitting by the barbeque pit with his sons and talking about sports.    He played tennis regularly into his early 80’s and golf until just a few years ago. 

Jimmy was preceded in death by his loving wife Joyce in 2016; his parents, and his brother, Bobby.

Jimmy is survived by his five sons, Gary and wife, Theresa; Paul and wife Julie; John; Mark and wife, Julie, and Eric.    He also leaves behind:    nine loving grandchildren, Zach, Ryan, Shannon, Jonathan, Kathleen, Raven, Macy, Molly and Phillip; numerous great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother, Stanley (Tammy);    sister, Margaret, numerous    nieces, nephews, beloved extended family and friends.

Visitation    began at    6 p.m., Monday, May 23 at Kubena Funeral Home in Hallettsville. Rosary was recited at 7 p.m. 

Funeral Mass was celebrated at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 24 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville. Msgr. John Peters officiated. 

Pallbearers were John Bucek, Mark Bucek, Eric Bucek, Gary Bucek, Jonathan Bucek and Stanley Bucek.    

Honorary pallbearer was Paul Bucek. 

Memorials may be made to    Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Lavaca County Meals on Wheels or    charity of donor’s choice.    

Burial followed in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.kubenafuneralhome.com.