James "Votch" Joseph Valasek

James J. Valasek, 55 formerly of Spalding passed away Friday, December 4, 2020 at his Albion home surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday, December 11, 2020 at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Spalding, NE with Fr. Antony Thekkekara officiating.  Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the church with a 7:30 p.m. Wake Service.  Inurnment will be 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Dublin Cemetery, Primrose, NE with Military Rites conducted by James Kesseler American Legion Post #299 of Spalding, NE. Social distancing and current Covid-19 DHM's effective will be followed at the visitation and funeral.  The family is asking that you wear masks.

Levander Funeral Home of Spalding, NE is in charge of the arrangements.

James Joseph Valasek, was born August 11, 1965, James Joseph Valasek entered the ring at an impressive 10lbs 2oz to Andrew John and Jude Ann (Vandenberg) Valasek and was the 5th of nine children.  Best known as "Votch", Jim was also known as "Shooter", "Stallion" and "Von Dootchie" by friends and "James Joseph" by his mother when angry.

Jim attended Spalding Academy throughout his elementary and high school years and relished in challenging the Dominican Sisters on a daily basis.  Through endless motherly prayers and a divine intervention, "Votch" was allowed to graduate in May 1984.

On January 27, 1997 "Votch" married Jacqueline Jensen in Las Vegas, NV.  To this Union, 3 daughters known as AT&T (Amber, Tori & Tyra) were born.  Though Votch and Jackie departed ways, they remained great friends and continued to attend each other's family functions.

On August 25, 2020 "Votch" was united in marriage to Jacqueline Primrose in Albion, NE.  This union provided "Votch" an immediate stepson, Braden Leslie, whom he loved and treated as his own, and a daughter Avery Jude.   Votch also received another blessing, a son Jason. He unfortunately, didn't have the pleasure of raising him, which is uncanny, as he's a walk alike, look alike, younger version of Votch, but he & the rest are more than happy to love and include him in the tribe!

"Votch" had a distinctive personality and was easily recognized no matter where he went.  He was a gifted athlete in high school and continued his love of sports by engaging in softball, golf, kayaking, bowling and volleyball throughout his adult life.  He followed all televised sports and could always be found cheering and cussing his beloved Huskers and Dallas Cowboys.  He also loved watching his stepson compete in sports. "Votch" got a glimpse of heaven this October when he toured AT&T Stadium in Dallas and then watch them play the Cleveland Browns the following day.

"Votch" lived life fast, furious and to the fullest, a life that would have sent a lesser man to their grave many years earlier.  He enjoyed entertaining those around him and his witty sayings were always good for a few laughs.  He will be dearly missed by family, friends, teammates and even the opponents he harassed in competition.

"Votch" is survived by his wife Jackie Valasek of Albion; daughters: Amber Valasek of Spalding, Tori Valasek of Omaha, Tyra Valasek of Greeley, CO, Avery Valasek of Albion; son: Jason Wragge of Seattle, WA; stepson: Braden Leslie of Albion, NE; siblings:  Victoria (Roy) Ketteler, Maggie (Ralph) Lee, Kathy Valasek, John Valasek, Loretta Asche, Rita (Todd) Hellbusch, Ann Peterson; grandchildren Emery, August and Sonny of Spalding, NE and 14 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Mary Koenig and Denise Valasek.