James Sabatka

James Henry Sabatka, 58, of Naponee, NE, died October 16, 2022, at Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney, NE. He was born November 16, 1963, in Colby, KS to Louis and Irene (Curtin) Sabatka. Jim married the love of his life, Linda, on April 17, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his mother Irene, his brother Kenny, and his grandparents, Harry & Lucille Curtin.

He is survived by his father and step-mother Louis and Elizabeth Sabaka of Atwood, KS; his wife, Linda Robb-Sabatka of Naponee, NE and her children, Brett Melchert and spouse Melissa, of Culbertson, NE, Kara Duncan and spouse Reilly, of Hudson, KS; sister-in-law Rhonda Sabatka of Hays, KS; siblings Janiece Vohland and spouse Larry of Overland Park, KS, Cathy Block and spouse George of Highland Village, TX, Lisa (Collins) Moos and spouse Brad of Eaton, CO, John Sabatka and spouse Shelly of Madison Lake, MN, Claire Erwin (Christi Collins) and spouse Bob of Atascadero, CA; seven grandchildren; many nieces and nephews and numerous treasured friends.

Jim attended McDonald Grade School, Cheylin Middle School, and graduated from Atwood High School in 1983. He attended Kansas State University, graduating in 1987 with a degree in Agricultural Economics. Jim remained a lifelong K-State Wildcat fan.

Jim farmed his entire life on the family farm northwest of Atwood and had a snow removal business in Montezuma, CO for over 20 years during the winter months. He enjoyed adventure traveling with friends, going to China, Tibet, Ireland and Iceland. He also enjoyed traveling in his RV to Florida, Arizona and South Dakota. He was an avid motorcyclist, having traveled throughout the United States, and attended Sturgis on His Harley over the course of 40 years. He flew ultra-light aircraft as a hobby.

Jim was a talented mechanic and engineer. In High School he restored a 1929 John Deere JP tractor, rebuilt multiple vehicles, built & flew remote controlled airplanes. He was a talented woodworker. Many of his high school workshop class projects he treasured for a lifetime – including his roll top desk and gun cabinet. He was a skilled marksman and enjoyed golfing. He recently designed and built a heat exchanger heating and cooling system for Linda’s new greenhouse and was restoring his favorite car, a 1929 Model A Ford.

Most of all, Jim loved being a Grandpa. He cherished time with the grandkids, especially during “swim week” each summer.

Visitation is 5-7:00 p.m., with a Vigil at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, Beardsley, KS. The Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 20, 2022, at the church with interment in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Rawlins County, KS. Memorials may be made to the Atwood-Rawlins County Airport and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com