James Brabec, Jr, 83, died on June 18, 2014. Born in Milligan, Nebraska, Jim resided in Ridley Park for over 27 years.

He honorably served for over 20 years in the United States Air Force and saw action in both the Korean War and the Vietnam Conflict. Jim was the Food Service Manager for the Springfield School District before retiring.

He was an avid runner, completing twice the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run as well as the Boston and New York Marathons. Jim had many hobbies. He will be remembered most for his contagious smile.


Jim was preceded in death by his parents James Sr and Marie (Kvitova) Brabec, his daughter Charlotte Spangler and his sister Marion Matthews.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife Lucy; his children Vicki Newberry (late Tom), David Brabec (Linda), James R. Brabec (Kathy), Louis DiFelice (MaryLou), Diane Zimmerman (Pat) and Angela Plaugher (Rick); his brothers Charles Brabec (Donna) and Milo Brabec (Peggy); also survived by 19 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.


Funeral Mass 10:30AM Monday, June 23, 2014 at The Church of St. Madeline, Penn St. and Morton Ave., Ridley Park where friends may call 9:30 to 10:15AM. Burial SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Memorial gifts to Heartland Hospice, 5 Christy Drive, Chadds Ford, PA 19317.