James W. Cizek

Retired Air Force Major James W. Cizek passed away peacefully on September 22, 2022 at the age of 81. The world has lost an American patriot who loved his family, friends, and his country. As a young boy he watched as airplanes flew over his Iowa family farm and knew that one day he would be a pilot.

Jim was born in Belle Plaine, Iowa, to William and Alice (Chrudimsky) Cizek. He attended Otter Creek #6, a one-room school near Toledo through 8th grade and graduated from Toledo High School. He earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University. Throughout his college years he was active in the ROTC program and received his commission in the Air Force upon graduation. During his 20 year career, Jim took his family around the world, flying the F-4 and A-10 from US bases in Germany, England, and many other places. Although he seldom mentioned it, Jim was once forced to eject from his F-4 aircraft when an engine caught fire while flying a routine training mission in 1974. He also flew two combat tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in combat.

After retiring from the Air Force, Jim and his family moved to St. Louis, MO, where he had a long and interesting second career as a systems engineer at Boeing. He also was a certified Dale Carnegie course trainer for 35 years who maintained his optimistic outlook and helped instill that in others. He no doubt is training the angels in heaven now.

Jim is survived by his wife Jean (Ackerman) of 53 years; son Christopher (Renae); son Michael (Catherine); daughter Susan; granddaughters Danica, Nadia, and Norah; sisters June Formanek and Joyce Echtenkamp; sister-in-law Kay Ackerman (Patrick Wills); and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services: Memorial visitation at St. Alban Roe Catholic Church, Wildwood, Tuesday, October 4, 2022 from 10:30 a.m. until time of the Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Air Warrior Courage Foundation at airwarriorcourage.com. As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.