James Richard Babka

James Richard Babka,78, of Hot Springs Village, passed away peacefully April 24, 2016.  He had watched his beloved Cardinals, dozed off for a nap and woke up in Heaven. Jim loved life. He loved to sing, talk and share his extraordinary faith with anyone who would listen.  He rarely met a stranger.   Beyond spending time with his family, Jim loved history, traveling, and learning.    He was active in Right to Life, Gideons, the Food Pantry, Village Men’s Chorus, Village Bible Church, and his beloved Saturday men’s bible study.

Jim attended Regis University and received his MA at University of Missouri.  His working career was spent in food marketing for Kraft Foods and ConAgra in Omaha, NE.  He and Jeanette have lived in the Village since their retirement in 1999.

Jim was born June 23, 1937 in Valley Park, Missouri to Joseph and Mary Babka. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Jim Babka.  He is survived by his loving wife, Jeanette, his children, Molly Mabry of Lincoln, Nebraska, George (Susie)Babka of San Diego, California, Jackie Schlarman of St. Louis, Missouri, David Babka of Bettendorf, Iowa, Patrick (Laura) Babka of Norway, Michael (Cindy) Hall of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Karen Hall of Portland, Oregon, and daughter-in-law Donna Babka of Austin, Texas, 18 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, sisters Dorothy (Edward) Fillipine, Mary Ann (Bob) Kriegshauser, mother-in-law Lillian Venable, and sister-in-law Charlotte Smith, both of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and a host of beloved nieces and nephews.

This wonderful BIG family was Jim’s greatest joy in this life.  He was always their strongest supporter and will continue to be  for the rest of their lives from above.

A memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m. at Village Bible Church on April 29, 2016. Memorials may be made to Village Bible Church or the Gideons.

Arrangements have been entrusted to CedarVale Funeral Home.