Our dad, James (Jim) Linus Vrbka, left this world on November 11, 2022, at age 85. Sadly, he will be missed and will always hold a special place in our hearts. Wanting to travel, Jim joined the Air Force at 17 years old to see the world. His travels took him to Texas, Arizona, Alaska, Utah, Thailand, Guam, the Philippines, and Okinawa, Japan. Also, he served two combat tours of duty in Vietnam. Jim retired after 20 years of service and continued his service to the military as a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5951. In addition, Jim owned and operated Mark V Tire for 30 years in Bossier City.
Jim was preceded in death by the love of his life, Irene Vrbka; his parents, Rose and Vaclav Vrbka; brother, Virgil Vrbka, and wife, Maxine; sister, Marquita Hanzl, and husband, Ronald; and sister-in-law, Sheila Vrbka.
Left to cherish his memory are his brother, Lawrence Vrbka (Mary Ann); sister, Geraldine Kovar; his sons, Lyle Vrbka, and wife, Joyce; Mark Vrbka, and wife, Cindy; daughter, Lori Rich, and husband, Wade. Grandchildren; Steven Vrbka (Andi), Kristin Wilson (Garrett), Haylee Polak (Tyler), Jessica Roettger (Matt), Marissa Morrow (Tristan), Quentin Vrbka (Sami), and Aaron Vrbka. Great-Grandchildren; Claire, Colleen, Charlotte Vrbka, Landry and Reagan Wilson, Brooks and Heath Roettger, and Mckinnley Vrbka.
A funeral service with military honors will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, at Hill Crest Memorial Cemetery in Haughton, LA. Visitation will be held before the service at 10:00 am.
In place of flowers, please donate to Christ the King Catholic Church or the charity of the donor’s choice.