James Hlavka

James Hlavka, Jr. was born in Gregory, South Dakota, on February 15, 1930, to Anna and James Hlavka, the youngest of six children: Olga (Flakus), Anna (Schuneman), Mildred (Engelmeyer), Milo Hlavka and Marie (Iden). He graduated from Gregory High School in 1948. He then served in the United States Army as a corporal, stationed at Fort Hood, TX and served from January 29, 1952, to January 28, 1954. James married Delores Klein of Burke, SD, on May 11, 1953, and moved to Phoenix, AZ, where they raised three daughters: Mary Ann, Jody and Jami.

For 30 years Jim worked as a mail carrier and retired in 1990. During the summers Jim and Delores traveled north in their motorhome to escape the Arizona heat. They loved playing bingo on the Indian reservations and card games at family gatherings with their seven grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

James Hlavka, Jr., age 95, lived at home on his own and died peacefully on September 3, 2025. James is survived by his daughters Mary Ann Horner, Jody Heller, and Jami Hawkins; his grandchildren; and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and siblings.