James Joseph Krajicek

Jim, “Jimmy,” “Big Jim” Krajicek was born on May 22, 1964 to Edward and Edwina (Hazuka) Krajicek, the youngest of 7 children. He grew up farming with the family, first in Papillion, Nebraska, and later in Hoskins, Nebraska.

He attended Sacred Heart Academy in Papillion and graduated in 1982 from Winside High School in Winside, Nebraska. Jim earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Peru State College in 1986, where he played football. He was honored to be chosen as a co-captain in his senior year. He also graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a Master’s degree in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. Jim was a lifelong learner and loved reading any newspaper he could get his hands on.

Jim married Theresa Polsley on November 22, 1986. They were blessed with 5 children and adventures too numerous to count.

His work always involved environmental safety compliance and led him to jobs at Trail of Tears State Park in Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality; Union Pacific Railroad; Omaha Public Power District; and Chief Industries in Grand Island.

Jim’s passion, though, was in coaching. He coached his kids in numerous sports as they grew up. He coached every young person he met in his philosophies of life, and pointed everyone towards attending Peru State College. He also spent many hours volunteering in his church and kids’ schools. He especially loved serving as “captain” of the chain gang at Papillion LaVista South High School.

Peru State College was his second passion. Jim did anything he could to help his Alma mater. Some of those things showed how he could think outside the box, and save money while achieving goals. He brought many people together to support the college, and his blood ran “True Blue.”

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Edwina; his stepfather, Arthur Ulrich; brother-in-law, Roger Wobbenhorst; father-in-law, Terry Polsley, Sr.; and nephew, Joshua Polsley.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Theresa; children, Annastasia Krajicek, Kaitlyn Krajicek (Will Packard), Meghan Krajicek (Dylan Koslaphirom), Joseph Krajicek, and Tessa Krajicek; sisters, Barbara (Dennis) Kreifels, Paula (Earl) Whitney, Jeri Krajicek, and Julie Krajicek; brothers, Steve (Diane) Krajicek and Gus (Debra) Krajicek; uncle, John Hazuka, aunts Joyce Hazuka and Roxanne Hazuka; and many nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Jim touched the lives of many, many people and will be forever missed.

Our family thanks you for your prayers, memories, and support.

Please direct memorials to the family for distribution to charities of their choice.

VISITATION Tuesday, July 22, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at St Columbkille Church, Papillion. VIGIL SERVICE at 7:00 PM. FUNERAL MASS Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 10:30 AM, at St Columbkille Church. BURIAL Calvary Cemetery, Omaha, NE.