James J. "Jim" Ruzicka, 79, of Grand Island, died peacefully March 7, 2025, at Crane Gardens in Grand Island, NE.  Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, March 14, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's Cathedral.  The Rev. Mark A. Maresh will be the celebrant, assisted by Deacon John Farlee.  Interment will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.  Visitation will be Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Curran Funeral Chapel with a vigil service at 7 p.m.  Memorials are suggested to the family for designation at a later date. You are encouraged to sign Jim's guestbook at www.curranfuneralchapel.com under his obituary. Curran Funeral Chapel is assisting the family.

Jim was born June 12, 1945 in Central City, Nebraska to Louis and Mary (Kocian) Ruzicka. He grew up and lived in Grand Island until his passing. On September 25, 1965, he was united in marriage to Lola Mundt. Jim was employed by Case New Holland for 36 years and retired in 2008. He enjoyed coaching youth baseball, working on various projects in his garage, and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of the Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife, Lola Ruzicka of Grand Island; sons, Michael (Vicki) Ruzicka of Broken Arrow, OK, Rick (Stacey) Ruzicka of Salem, OR, and Brad (Geneva) Ruzicka of Grand Island; grandchildren, Jacob Ruzicka, Will Ruzicka (fiancé, Rachel Henderlite), Riley (Tara) Ruzicka, Sarah Ruzicka, Isaac Ruzicka, Noah Ruzicka and Abraham Ruzicka; one great grandchild, Graham Ruzicka; sister, Patricia Barr of Brenham, TX; brothers, Richard (JoAnn) Ruzicka and John (Judy) Ruzicka of Grand Island, NE; sister-in-law, Helen Mundt of Grand Island, NE; and brother-in-law, Jack (Judy) Mundt of Lebanon, MO.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Robert Ruzicka, Thomas Ruzicka, and brother-in-law, David Mundt.

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