James "Jim" Vacek

James (Jim) Vacek of Oxford Junction, Iowa passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026 at the Clarence Nursing Home. 

Jim was born August 26th, 1936, on the home farm in Oxford Junction, to Edward and Lillian (Willamack) Vacek.  After graduating from Oxford Junction High School, he farmed with his father and worked at Clinton Engines in Maquoketa.  In 1959 he was drafted into the army and was honorably discharged in 1961.  He then farmed with his mother and met Kathleen (Burda) Leeper and they spent fifty-two years happily together.

He enjoyed a good pool and card game, fishing catfish on the Wapsi, and fishing on the Mississippi, hunting deer and spring/fall mushrooms, camping, western movies, Willie Nelson, the Vikings and Dodgers sports teams, and could always be found in his garden. One of Jim favorite activities was delivering the produce from his garden to friends and neighbors.

Jim is survived by his wife Kathleen Vacek, son Gregory (Marcia)Vacek and grandson Eli Vacek of Manchester, and daughter Lori Vacek of Cedar Rapids. Jim’s extended family consisted of Brent (Joy) Leeper, and Kris (Glenda) Leeper all of Oxford Junction, Al Leeper of Whittier, Kimberly Parmer of Cedar Rapids, and grandchildren Sarah, Bryce, Ross, Alex, Jessica, Carrie, Matt, and Kelcee, along with 16 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Clarence Nursing Home and Hospice staff for their compassionate care.  A celebration of life will be held at a later date.  

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Joyce (Virgil) Behrends, Joan (Rudy) Ulferts, and one nephew.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dawsonfuneral.com. Cards of condolences may be mailed to Dawson Funeral Services Attn: Jim Vacek Family Po Box 258 Wyoming, Iowa 52362.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.