James Kubicka

James B. Kubicka passed away peacefully on January 26, 2016 with his family at his side.

Jim was born November 10, 1922 in Havelock, Nebraska to John and Hermie (Rotter) Kubicka. He grew up in Plattsmouth, Nebraska and graduated from Plattsmouth High School where he was the salutatorian of his senior class. Jim joined the United States Marine Corps in 1942 and served in several Pacific Theater operations including Bougainville, Guam, Saipan, Okinawa, and Tientsin, China. He was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart. Jim was proud of his service as a Marine and often spoke to school classes in the Windsor area about the history of World War II and his service experience. After the war, Jim returned to Nebraska where he met Annabel, the love of his life. They were married in North Platte in 1950 and over the next two years, had two sons. In 1956, Jim and Annabel moved to California where they settled in Granada Hills in the San Fernando Valley. The descendant of a Czech sausage maker, Jim spent his early career as a meat cutter and held other roles in the food industry. Jim served as a role model for his sons by living the values of integrity, respect and hard work. He believed strongly in education and made sure that both sons graduated from college. When the boys left home, Jim retired and moved to Windsor in Sonoma County, California. Jim sold real estate for a number of years and also made children's furniture. His rocking horses have been used by generations of friends and family. He was active in many patriotic service organizations including the American Legion, the Marine Corps League, and Forty & Eight, where he served as Chef de Gare. Jim also served as a bugler on many veterans' funeral details. Jim was devoted to his family. When Annabel became ill, he remained at her side and cared lovingly for her for several years. They were married for sixty-three years, until her passing in January, 2014.

Jim is survived by his two sons, Jim (Nicole) of Poway, and Bruce (Jackie) of Portola Valley; four grandchildren, Alexandre of Paris, France, Stephanie (Rob) of New York, NY, Anna and Andrew of Portola Valley; one great-grandson, Jack Inadomi, born to Stephanie and Rob on January 23, 2016; his brother, Tony (Kay); his dearest friends of more than thirty years, Carolyn Boccucci and Martin Levy. He is predeceased by his wife, Annabel, and two brothers, Ed and Jack.

Services will be held February 6, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Eggen and Lance Chapel, Santa Rosa.

Jim will be buried at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, NE on Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 2:30 PM.

Semper Fidelis, and may the honor and loyalty that you showed your country be rewarded, eternally.