James Rudolph Novak

Jim was born in Oak Park, Illinois, to his parents Rudolph Eric Novak and Ann Irene (VanZandt) Novak. The family relocated to Park Forest, Illinois when he was just a young boy. There he graduated from Rich Central High School, married and raised his 2 daughters. During this time, he coached teams for the Park Forest Boys Baseball League for many years - he often thought fondly of the boys he mentored and coached, taking pride when he heard of their accomplishments. When his girls were of the age to play in the girls softball leagues, he then became a coach for the Park Forest Eagles girls softball team until 1992 when the Eagles won the AFC 16-and-under amateur softball association Chicago Metro championship and played valiantly in the ASA National Championship in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was very proud of his girls and took great pride in their accomplishments. During these years, Jim took up running and participated in many half-marathons and several marathons. One of his most fond sports accomplishments was completing the Chicago Marathon in 1990.

Jim met his wife Mary in 1991 when he bought the house next to her parents. She was visiting from her home in Indiana as he was moving in. They became fast friends and Jim proposed the next year - needless to say, his proposal was accepted. Jim relocated to Bloomington, Indiana to be closer to Mary and her boys in the summer of 1992. He attended Indiana University where, in 1994, he earned an Associate degree in General Studies. He had a lifelong desire to be a teacher, so he continued his education and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Education graduating summa cum laude in 1997. He later earned his Master of Arts in Education Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix.

Jim married Mary Foster on June 5, 1999. Soon after this, the family relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada where Jim taught fifth grade math and science at Bendorf Elementary School. Jim was a much loved teacher. He pushed his students to do their best, to always believe in themselves, and to always set for themselves grand goals and high standards. Year after year, his students were among the most successful in the district on state testing results. He received the Distinguished Teacher Award in 2012. He remained at Bendorf Elementary School until his retirement in 2016.

Jim loved to travel, and was an avid cruiser. His favorite trips were to China, Hawaii, Paso Robles, and a recent anniversary cruise down the California coast with some of our dearest of friends. He was a connoisseur of fine wine and great food, and loved gathering with good friends to share both. He belonged to a wine club whose humor and friendship carried him through many hard times. He adored his family and did everything he could to make them feel loved and cherished. Not a day went by that he did not speak his love for his family. He was a poet at heart - but that is for another memory.

Jim was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife and best friend of 29 years, Mary Foster (Novak); by his daughters Debby (Tim) McGrew and Amy Geinosky (Lori Lewis); by his stepsons whom he loved as his own, Georges Edelen and Michael Foster; by his sisters, Ann Marie (Steve) Graber and Kim Schmidt; by his grandchildren Raymond (Sheena) Peterson, Ryan Peterson, Trevor Sims, Steven Geinosky and Kyle Geinosky; and by many nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters-in-law, and so many very dear friends with whom he was blessed to share this journey.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, as well as by his brother Randy (Sue) Novak and his sister Jacqueline (Ron) Peacock.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.