James David Koncak

October 1, 1940 – October 9, 2025

James “David” Koncak entered into Heaven on October 9, 2025—just one week after celebrating his 85th birthday—following complications from leukemia. His family extends their heartfelt gratitude to family and friends and the compassionate teams at Texas Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, Dr. Modi, Dr. Wooley, and the T. Boone Pickens Hospice for their exceptional care and kindness in helping make his transition to Paradise a peaceful one.

Born in Dallas, Texas, to Jewel “Julie” and Frank Koncak, David was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Frank Jr. “Sonny” Koncak, Maurine Riley (Gene), and Alana “Sue” Jones (Tom). He married his high school sweetheart, Judi Hummel, and together they built a beautiful marriage rooted in faith, family, and hard work. They were married for 61 years and shared 66 wonderful years together.

David is survived by his wife, Judi; daughters, Kelly Pittman (Craig) and Julie Heath (Paul); grandchildren, Hannah Pittman Wood (Rob), Collin Pittman, Parker Heath, and Piper Heath; nieces and nephews, Jeanie Riley West, David Riley, Rick Riley, Kameron Jones Shadrick, Courtney Jones Stolebarger, Kimberly Dunn, Becky Dunn Walser, and Michelle Dunn Barlas; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joni and Mike Dunn.

A proud graduate of South Oak Cliff High School, Class of 1959, David served as Vice President of the Senior Class, was voted Best All-Around Senior, and recognized as Outstanding Cheerleader. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of North Texas in 1964, where he was a cheerleader all four years—serving as head cheerleader both his junior and senior years—and a member of the Talons Honorary Men’s Service Organization and Theta Chi Fraternity, where he served as chaplain.

David joined the Dallas Texans (now the Kansas City Chiefs) as a cheerleader and later worked alongside Lawrence “Herkie” Herkimer to help transform the National Cheerleaders Association and Supply Company into a global brand. He played a pivotal role in establishing the organization’s first manufacturing and retail facility and in launching its mail-order catalog. David was proud to have served as a judge in selecting the original Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. He was also the campaign manager for Dallas County Commissioner Mel Price.

A true entrepreneur and innovator, David founded and operated several companies throughout his career. In the 70s, he developed the home video game system Video-Volley (like Pong) and created the first marketable non-battery radar detector, the Snooper, which was featured in the films E.T. and The Gumball Rally. His radar detectors consistently ranked #1 in Car and Driver, Road & Track and MotorTrend Magazines and were sold worldwide through RadioShack and numerous car dealerships. Sharing his deep knowledge of the industry, he was interviewed by various media outlets, and he also co-authored Ambush: The Facts About Police Radar. In addition, he created the first programmable thermostat to control the temperature in his warehouses. He enjoyed attending the Consumer Electronics Shows (CES), where his products were frequently showcased, many of which later became part of the Radar Detector Museum. David’s inventive spirit extended across many ventures. In the ’70s, he teamed up with Harley-Davidson, managing the warehousing of their merchandise before moving on to projects that spanned home electronics, golf clubs, and radar speed signs. His radar speed signs were sold nationwide and used in special projects for the U.S. Navy, PGA, Disney, SpaceX, and Super Bowl XLV.

His blessed life brought him into contact with leaders in entertainment, politics, and sports. He assisted the Samsung family when they first came to America, and a fond memory was serving as guest speaker at the ribbon-cutting and dedication of an elementary school in mainland China.

David served on the boards of Forestwood National Bank and the Free Market Foundation and generously donated equipment to the Baylor University Engineering Department. He was recognized as a distinguished North Texas Alumnus, representing the Class of 1963 time capsule, and was honored to serve as emcee for his South Oak Cliff reunions. He also held many wonderful memories of Royal Oaks Country Club, where he had been a member for more than half his life.

He had a gift for storytelling and a great sense of humor, earning the title of “award-winning storyteller” not only among friends and family but also at his daughter’s Indian Princess campouts.

From a young age, David had a gift for building and creating. He helped his father build their family home and fishing dock—early projects that sparked a lifelong love of working with his hands. Known as the neighborhood handyman, David could fix just about anything. Nothing ever seemed impossible for him. Over the years, he built playhouses for his daughters (including an impressive two-story one for his grandchildren), crafted props and décor for drill team performances and classrooms, welded ornamental railings, and created artistic metal sculptures and displays.

His talents extended far beyond construction—David had a creative and curious spirit. He enjoyed photography, glasswork, woodworking, and hands-on projects like electrical and plumbing work, always eager to take on a new challenge. A lifelong learner, he found joy in everything he did—from hunting, fishing, canoeing, and camping to landscaping and discovering the wonders of the universe. He cherished spending time at the family’s Lazy 2+2 Farm and loved sharing it with family and friends. He found peace in classical music and purpose in his faith, which he expressed through the handcrafted crosses he continued to make and share in his later years.

A devoted man of faith, David and his family attended Northwest Bible Church for more than 50 years, where he deepened his walk with the Lord. He loved sharing adventures with family and friends, traveling throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and Mexico. Among his most cherished memories were family trips to Florida and road trips with his grandchildren to the national parks.

David will be remembered for his unwavering faith, inventive mind, and generous heart. His legacy of love, ingenuity, and devotion to family will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.

His Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 22, at 2:00 p.m. at Northwest Bible Church, Dallas, Tx.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Northwest Bible Church “Outreach” or the Samaritan’s Purse in memory of David Koncak.