Jim E. Chalupsky

James "Jim" E. Chalupsky, 71, of Shueyville, died Saturday, September 25, 2021. The Celebration of Life gathering will be from 3-7 p.m. Friday, October 1, 2021, at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW. A Celebration of Life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 2, 2021, at The Secret Cellar, 1205 Curtis Bridge Road, Swisher. Burial will follow in Shueyville Cemetery. There will be a catered meal following the burial at The Secret Cellar. Dress is informal.
Jim was born July 28, 1950, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Edward and Dolores (Horsch) Chalupsky. Jim graduated from Cedar Rapids Prairie High School, class of 1969. Jim was united in marriage to Joan Johnson on May 28, 1969, at St. Ludmila's Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. He worked at Linkbelt FMC, Divine Engineering, and Goss Manufacturing before starting Chalupsky Landscaping & Nursery in 1989 with his wife Joan.
Wherever Jim went, he made his presence known. He lived life fiercely and passionately and starting with that unforgettable smile, he made fast friends wherever he went. He had a strong zest for finding the fun in life and took a particular interest in doing whatever he could to get a grumpy person to smile or laugh. Jim was talented at so many things-if something broke, he would come up with the creative solution needed to fix it. On a typical day, you didn't have to look hard to notice the happy white-haired man bouncing around in either in his skid loader or on his lawn mower. Jim took deep pride in his work and made those around him step up to challenges which seemed impossible to overcome. He was always thinking and creating--tasking those around him to do their best to achieve greatness.
Even though he loved being productive, as of lately Jim started enjoying more peaceful time on his deck. He especially looked forward to spending his winters with Joan on Marco Island, where he could be found fishing, taking his morning bike ride, enjoying his morning smoothie, hosting guests, and taking sunset walks with Joan on the beach. He also found great joy when spending special time with friends and family, playing euchre, bowhunting, and practicing at the shooting range. You only had to be around him for a short time before hearing either "Who's luckier than you?!?" or "What's more fun than having fun?"
Jim lived life on his own terms. He was a critical thinker and loved learning. If a controversial subject was on the table, he would do everything he could to dig deeper to uncover more truth. He was bold, strong, and determined, and will be gravely missed by the many people whose lives he touched.
Jim is survived by his wife Joan; his children Tim Chalupsky, Lori (Markus) Chalupsky-Cannon and Julie Swenka all of Shueyville; the younger family and special children in his life: Rain Swenka, Sya and Anna Cannon, Caelen and Harper Lilly, and Lauren and Anna Netz; his mother-in-law Alice Johnson of Cedar Rapids; his brothers-in-law Kenny Johnson and Dan (Pat) Johnson both of Shueyville and Don Johnson of Walford; his sisters-in-law Judy (Jerry) Nicholls of Solon and Becky Johnson of Cedar Rapids; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Ed Johnson, and his sisters-in-law Sherry Johnson and Linda Johnson.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family.
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