James "Jim" J. Kozak

James (Jim) Kozak passed away April 13th 2020. In the instructions he left for his 3 daughters he closed with “Be happy I had a wonderful life”. He did indeed!



He was Born November 20th 1938 to James and Marcella (Nepodal) Kozak. Jim grew up in South Omaha and graduated South High Class of 1956. He was proud of his heritage and never refused a good Kolache. He attended Omaha University and joined the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Through the Sig Eps, he met Rosemary Corn who he married on December 9th, 1958. She was the love of his life and his true soulmate. The couple had 3 daughters Dawn, Connie and Melissa and were married for over 41 years before Rosemary passed away from breast cancer in July 2000.



Rosie and Jim traveled extensively together a love Jim continued. He visited London, Switzerland, Italy, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa to name a few.



For the majority of his career he worked at Lueder Construction as a Project Manager and eventually Assistant Vice President when he retired in 2004.



Jim dedicated his time to many interests including serving in many capacities at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, was a member of the Westside Chapter of Omaha Lions Club, Sig Ep Alumni and UNO Alumni groups. His first love however was coaching girls softball which he did for over 26 years. Jim helped to initiate softball as a high school sport and coached at Omaha Central during the programs inception. Through his battle with Alzheimer’s he may have forgotten many things, but he remembered the score of every game he coached!



Jim enjoyed all six of his grandchildren: Jacob, Dillon and Jaime Martinez and Sahara, Aviana and Amaris Freed. Jim rarely missed a sporting event, school play or concert when one of them was involved and no doubt was the proudest grandparent in attendance! He also enjoyed the many trips they took including those to Chicago to watch his beloved Bears and Sanibel Island.



Jim was described by his grandson as a person who exhibited kindness and selflessness to everyone he interacted with. He was funny enough to always stay clever and quick-witted. He had a stash of endless jokes, quotes and sayings for every kind of situation. He loved and believed in his family more than anything and lived for them. Anyone who knew Jim knew they had a friend.



Jim’s Celebration of Life will include a visitation on Thursday, October 29th from 5-7:30pm and service at St. Andrews Episcopal Church 84th and Pacific on Friday, October 30 at 9:30am.



Memorials to the Nebraska Humane Society or the family.