Word has been received that Jim Kotrba, a 1966 Wayland High School graduate, died of lung cancer Saturday evening, Oct. 7, at a hospital in Lakeland, Fla. He was 76.
He was born Feb. 15, 1947, to Mr. And Mrs, Eugene Kotrba in Bradley.
He was admitted to the hospital in September when medical personnel found stage 4 lung cancer.
Jim was student council president in his senior year at Wayland High School in the academic year 1965-66. He also held several school records in track, in the high and low hurled and scored just shy of 20 points by himself in the Expressway Conference track meet.
He married his high school sweetheart, Vicki Chlebana, and the two spent a great of time together handling dogs and going to dog shows.
Jim’s first wife, Barbara, died in 2014.
He is survived by children Kevin, Aaron, Mystique and Jamie besides his wife Vicky and brother Gary and sister Joylynn Culver.
Daughter Mystique Christensen has started a GoFundMe campaign to help the family deal with expenses.
There will be celebration of life from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, at the Wayland VFW.
There will be Celebration of Life at the Wayland VFW November 25 from 1-4. He was survived by children Kevin, Aaron, Mystique and Jamie in addition to wife Vicky and brother Gary and sister Joylynn. He will be missed by his many, many friends and family members.
So Sorry to hear that another former classmate has passed away.
Jim was a good man who will live forever in our memories and our hearts. God’s Speed Uncle Jim. Love you always Brian, Cindy, and Alex Schrier.