James "Jim" Joseph Pavelka, 94, of Martelle, died Monday, May 7, 2018 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.  Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 11th at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Solon with burial to follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. May 10, 2018 at Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Solon, located at 100 South Cedar Street.

Jim was born February 5, 1924 in Solon, the son of James A. and Blanch (Brush) Pavelka.   He graduated from Solon High School in 1942.  He joined the Navy in 1944 and served in the South Pacific Theater and was honorably discharged in 1946. Jim was united in marriage Jean LeClair Peet on June 5, 1947 in Lisbon, Iowa.  Jim had his own AG lime business, JJ Pavelka Ag Lime, for forty plus years.   He was a member of the American Legion in Solon and a member of the Martelle Volunteer Fire department for thirty-six years serving as the Fire Chief during part of that time.  Jim enjoyed camping, fishing at Kabetogama Lake in Minnesota, spending winters in Zapata, Texas, playing Euchre, and most importantly spending time with his family.

Jim is survived by his children Jeff Pavelka of Grand Marais, Minnesota, Anthony (Linda) Pavelka of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas, and Dan (Diann) Pavelka of Lisbon; grandchildren Sean (Annie) Jensen and Angie (Aaron) Beik; great-grandchildren Alex and Kale, Makayla and Miranda, his sister, Mary Vanderpool, Arizona, numerous nieces and nephews and very special friend Sandy Davis, Martelle.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Jean of 68 years, his parents, and his sisters Florence Pavelka and Dorothy Kuceyeski.

Memorials may be directed to the family.