James Edward Krafka

Born December 17, 1937, to Anastasia (Studeny) and Charles R. Krafka in Harlingen, Texas. He was the second of five children in his family. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, older brother Charles Eugene, and younger sisters Elaine Charlotte Krafka Dilley and Mary Ann Krafka Thornton. Jim was blessed to have been raised in a home with parents that practiced Jesus' teachings such as respect and helping others that quickly reflected on him.

Unfortunately, type 1 Diabetes reared its head when Jim was an 18 year old senior at Rio Hondo High School. Diabetes was a struggle and people saved his life during episodes of low blood sugar. First was his cousin Rudy Joe Krafka during a duck hunting trip in South Dakota in 1956, then numerous colleagues and friends and of course Carole.

After taking a relaxing year off, he enrolled at Southwest Texas State Teachers College in San Marcos in Pre-Engineering. In his second year he met the love of his life, Carole Ann Harrington, and they were married on September 2, 1961.

Jim graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering in January of 1963. Carole and Jim moved to Garland, Texas where Jim started work for LTV Electrosystems. They soon joined the Methodist church and Jim became very involved working with the youth in Sunday school and bible study.

Shortly before the Apollo 11 moon landing he was recruited by Lockheed Martin at NASA in Houston until he retired in 2001. Then the NASA "Old Geezers," as they called themselves, met regularly. Their last meeting was Saturday, April 8th, 2023. Jim was so glad he got to see the guys that day and spent the whole night talking to Carole about it.

In March of 1967, they welcomed their son John Michael Krafka and in December of 1968, Melissa Gale Krafka joined the family. Their children were top priority with Jim being a Coach, Scout leader, band supporter and their number one fan.

In February of 1997 Jim earned the title "Granddad" when Jessica Shae Krafka was born. Then came Mackenzie Nicole Morton in November of 1999 and John Micheal Krafka Jr. in October of 2000. In 2001, Michael married Kristine Ella Flohrs and Jim inherited two more granddaughters, Samantha and Stephanie. In May of 2002 Kris and Mike's daughter, Aubrey Ella Krafka, joined the family.

Jim and Carole had wonderful plans of retirement. As a school teacher, Carole had holidays and summers off and they planned to travel on her breaks. Of course, as the saying goes, we plan and God laughs.

2001 was spent at MD Anderson while Carole underwent treatment for cancer. Being Jim, he drove her to all the appointments and learned to cook for her. From then on, Jim and Carole were joined at the hip.

Jim volunteered at SEAM and for the church as a Sunday school teacher, member of the board and even the unofficial photographer. When the church was building a mobile medical clinic for those affected by the Haiti earthquake, Jim was heavily involved. He helped the church make and distribute sack lunches to the homeless for around a decade and volunteered with Panera Bread to bring food to the needy. He also would call those in his church family to check on them or just talk and loved to share the things he found beautiful or interesting with everyone he could.

In addition to his family and the Lord, Jim loved: The University of Texas, Whataburger and the Houston Astros.

Jim was dearly loved and will be missed by so many, whether as family, a friend or a stranger that brightened up your day.

Jim is survived by: his wife Carole of 61 years; brother Jerry Krafka; brother-in-law George Thorton and son Reese Thorton;

children Melissa and Michael [and wife Kristine]; grandchildren Jessica, Mackenzie, John [and wife Mackenzy], Stephanie, Samantha, and Aubrey; 3 great grandkids; many nephews and nieces; numerous extended family members; and church friends.

A visitation for James will be held Monday, April 17, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Crossroads UMC, 10030 Scarsdale Blvd, Houston, TX 77089, followed by a funeral service from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkEast-FHC.com for the Krafka family.