James Dean Hruska

 

James “Jim” Dean Hruska, 85, of Lake Catatoga, passed away after a long battle with advanced dementia on March 26, 2024 in Loveland, CO.

He was born on June 2, 1938 to Gene and Mildred Hruska, he was known for his quintessential example of hard work and dedication, both to his profession and as a husband to Rosemary for 63 years and father to Wendy, Joni and Lindy, grandfather to eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Jim was Colorado State graduate that held the all-time scoring record in basketball for over 20 years. He graduated with a teaching degree, and then served in the U.S. Navy for seven years as a pilot on the aircraft carriers USS Enterprise and USS Saratoga. He then flew for Pan American Airlines. In 1970, he moved his family to Australia and played semi-pro basketball while teaching, coaching and traveling. After four years, he returned to the Midwest.

Jim was the Maintenance Director at both Pine Lake Christian Center in Eldora, IA. for 23 years and Lake Williamson Christian Center in Carlinville, for seven years.

Jim was an active member of Pleasant Hill Christian Church in Raymond. Jim and Rosemary took a year’s mission trip and volunteered at 32 Christian camps in eight different countries. Jim used his handyman skills to fix doors, windows, walls, roofs, plus give staff devotions. This experience showed us that the love of Jesus is powerfully being shared in many different ways. Psalm 48:10 reads “Your Name is known throughout the earth, O God. You are praised everywhere for the salvation You have scattered throughout the world.”

Jim’s love for nature was evident in his interests, which included canoeing, camping and bird watching, but his greatest passion was being a Naval Aviator. Along with woodworking, a favorite hobby was knife sharpening.

A military burial will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO. on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Pleasant Hill Christian Church, 19433 West Frontage Road, Raymond, on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Franklin Graham’s Operation Christmas Child, or to Pleasant Hill Christian Church.