Died Saturday, July 4, 2020 at Methodist Hospital in Omaha
Jim was born March 17, 1945 in St. Cloud, MN. to Jerome and Hildegarde 'Zilmer' Chaika. He went to school in Sauk Rapids, MN. After high school he went into the U.S. Navy and was stationed in the Philippines from 1963 to 1967. Then he went into the U.S. Army from 1967 until 1983 when he retired. He served 2 years in Vietnam, and was also stationed at Ft. Knox in Kentucky, Ft. Lee in Virginia, Ft. Gordon in Georgia and Ft. Benning also in Georgia.
Jim met his wife Alyce M. Oberg at Ft. Lee and they were married on August 11, 1974 at Salem Lutheran Church in Fontanelle. After their marriage they went to the 121st Hospital in Seoul Korea for 2 years. After retiring from the service he moved to Hooper. He worked in Fremont at Irv's Deli until it was sold. He then drove a school bus for the Logan View Public Schools until he retired for good.
Through the years he coached baseball for the little league and then he coached American Legion baseball. He also went to the lake in Minnesota for fishing and camping in the summer. He was an Eagle Scout and also got the Order of the Arrow. He belonged to the American Legion Post 18 of Hooper and the VFW Post 8223 of North Bend. Jim was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hooper.
Survivors:
Wife Alyce of Hooper
Son Charles Lee (Monica Crosby) Chaika of Omaha
Step-granddaughter Kayla Cash
Step-great grandsons Kyle and Nicolas all of Omaha
Brothers Gary (Audrey) Chaika of Sauk Rapids, MN.
Chuck (Lowen) Smith of Sauk Rapids, MN.
Sister Joan Edwards of Woodland, CA.
Brother-in-law Jed (Sally) Oberg of Hooper
Sisters-in-law Sally (Larry) Stunkel of LaVista
Mary Jane Chaika of Randal, MN.
Renate Chaika of Sauk Rapids, MN.
Joyce Chaika of Sauk Rapids, MN.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, step father Al Smith, brothers Tom, Phil, Jerry and Bill Chaika, and a nephew Mike.
A memorial service was held on Friday, July 24, 2020 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hooper. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Ludvigsen's Hooper Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook at www.hooper-scribner.com
A link to the video of the service can be found at:
https://youtu.be/71uxoqodIwE
Condolences(6)
connie vonseggern
Hooper, NE Friday, July 10, 2020 Please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers for you and your family at such a difficult time. I have great memories of Jim and the boys playing baseball.... He was such a patient guy with a ready smile.....Peg and Bob Weisenberg
Hooper, NE Thursday, July 9, 2020 Alyce and Charles: We are so sorry to learn of Jim's death!! I always remember your caring heart and soul and tender care you gave to Bob's Mom in her final days Alyce and I hope you received the same care and compassion for Jim. Hang tight to the many memories I'm sure you have -no one can take them from you!! God's Blessings.Don & Barb Burwell
Kearney, NE Thursday, July 9, 2020 AlyceWe are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. It was always a pleasure to see you in Minnesota during our fishing week. May your memories comfort you and the Lord keep you in His loving arms.
Sid Ready
Scribner, NE Wednesday, July 8, 2020 Alyce and CharlieSo sorry to learn of Jim's passing. He was a great person and will be missed.
Nancy Heller
Lincoln, NE Tuesday, July 7, 2020 Alyce and family. I am so sorry to learn of Jim's passing. May God's Peace and Comfort surround you and hold you tight, and may your many happy memories sustain you in the days ahead. Hold on to the Promise of our Savior that you will be together again someday. God Bless you.Nancy Schroeder
Blair, NE Tuesday, July 7, 2020 Dear Alyce and family,We remember you in prayer. We're so sorry to read of Jim's death.... He died in July 4 as did Patriots John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.... We remember your faithful worship Sat. Nites at Redeemer and your deep love of Minnesota. Blessed are those that mourn, love Nancy and Joel S.