James Joseph Jurasek

CMSGT ret. James J. Jurasek passed away on April 20, 2026. Jim was born on March 24, 1936, in Lorain, Ohio, to Thomas and Mary Jurasek. A Vietnam veteran, James served his country for twenty-six years (1954-1980) in the U.S. Air Force. He served with honor and distinction rising to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) earning many medals and citations including the Air Force Commendation, Air Force Good Conduct and the Vietnam Campaign medals. He served in various branches of the Air Force including Strategic Air Command (SAC), Military Airlift Command (MAC), Aerospace Defense Command and the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA). These assignments would take him and his family to live across the United States and overseas to include Florida, Washington State, Georgia, Alabama, Colorado, Illinois, Spain, and Germany. He also served in Vietnam in 1963-1964. These assignments fostered many lifelong friendships. When asked what he thought about joining the service at an early age he said, “it was great; they put a roof over my head and fed me three times a day.”

He married “the love of his life” Jane Ann Hastings on December 7, 1974. They spent over 51 years together with much love and devotion. They were always amazed that God brought them together because Jane also has lost her love of her life.

After retirement from the Air Force, he attended the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. Following that he worked at the Air Force Academy for 18 years managing the Air Force Records Management program.

He and his wife Jane were excellent dancers and performed professionally for over 30 years with the Czech Slovak dance group giving many performances all over Colorado and other states. He served as the President of the International Dance Club for eight years.

After retirement Jim was able to pursue many of his other talents and interests. He has long been an excellent harmonica player and enjoyed playing polkas and waltzes with his other musical friends. He was also an antique automobile restorer and a skilled woodworker who built many beautiful work benches and made numerous improvements to his house and property.

He is survived by his beautiful wife and best friend Jane, two sons Jimmy and Major 2 Star Brigadier General Jeffrey of Alabama, and three stepsons Kenneth, Rex, and Terry.

He was preceded in death by his stepson Douglas.