Jim Kubicek

Vaclav (Jim) Kubicek was born on March 5, 1923 to Czech immigrants Frank, Sr. and Anna (Skocdopolova) Kubicek at Econtuchka, Oklahoma and departed this life on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at the age of 96 and one day. Jim lived his entire life in the Econtuchka Bottom, a farming community along the North Canadian River NE of Shawnee. He began farming in 1936 with 40 acres of cotton, graduated from Centerview High School in 1941 and married Deloris Markham of Shawnee, on January 4, 1948. The couple celebrated their 71st Wedding Anniversary this year. A pioneer in Oklahoma agriculture Jim was four times honored as the Pottawatomie County Farmer/Rancher of the year. His farming operations expanded over the years to several hundred acres of alfalfa, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and cattle. He was the inaugural Chairman of the Oklahoma Peanut Commission, appointed by Gov. Henry Bellmon to the first “self-help” commodity check-off program in the state in 1965. Re-appointed by Gov. Dewey Bartlett, Jim served twelve years on the Board. In his early years to supplement the farm income, Jim was a renowned “winter” carpenter. Many a home in Shawnee and Econtuchka area still proudly stand as a testament to his skill. Jim had a natural talent for developing ideas of efficiencies on the farm. He was recognized by the American Farm Bureau Federation for his engineering/development of “handicap lifts” to allow access and operation of farm equipment for those in need; an idea borne out of necessity to allow his son Rick, an amputee, to lead a productive life on the farm. Jim had a passion for fishing and crappie was his game. He made and “tied” his own crappie lures and eagerly shared them with family, friends and strangers that shared his love of the sport. He built and stocked his own “fish’n holes” and wore out several pickup trucks taking buddies to the lake…….getting back home in time to bale alfalfa….then off again early next morning. He was a long time member of the First Baptist Church of Shawnee; and a nine decade member of the Western Czech Brotherhood Fraternity. His legacy of honesty, integrity, hard word and love of family will continue thru the generations of those that he leaves behind. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; son Rick; and grandson, Shawn; brother Frank Jr.; and sister Jane (Kubicek) Quinnett. He is survived by his wife Deloris and three children: Mike Kubicek (wife, Kianna) of Shawnee; Connie Cox (husband, David) of Broken Arrow; and Steve Kubicek (wife, Cindy) of Baton Rouge, LA; and sister Mary Ann (Kubicek) McGee of Shawnee. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Jeremie Kubicek (wife, Kelly) of Edmond; Jon Newell (wife, Susan) of Cincinnati, OH; Stephanie Marshall (husband Tim) of Medicine Lodge, KS; Kraig Kubicek (wife, Amanda) of St. Charles, MO; Matthew Kubicek (wife, Kim) of Baton Rouge, LA; Lacie Kubicek; and seventeen great grandchildren. The family wishes to express their heart-felt appreciation for the compassionate home care provided by Susan Herron, Kae McGinnis, Malisa Daniel, Brenda Rosson, and Mandy McGinnis. Visitation with the family will be held on Sunday, March 10th from 3:00-5:00 pm at Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague, Oklahoma. Memorial services will be held on Monday, March 11, 2019 at 1:00 pm in the Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel with Bro. Tim Emmons officiating; interment to following at Garden Grove Cemetery. Funeral services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Prague.