James B. Hrdy

James "Jim" B. Hrdy, 54, Olathe, KS, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at his home on May 27, 2017. Jim was born in Sioux City, Iowa, the oldest of two sons of James E. and Mary Ann (Kvidal) Hrdy. A member of St. John's Lutheran Church and a 1981 graduate of North High School in Sioux City, Iowa, Jim studied biology at the University of Iowa. He also worked as a research assistant at the University of Iowa Anesthesia and published his research findings. He traveled to Asia and studied marine biology at Silliman University in the Philippines. In 1994, Jim married Christine Cizek at Sacred Heart Church in West Des Moines, Iowa. They moved to Kansas City where they raised two daughters, Melinda and Ann Marie, and where Jim worked for many years as an IT system administrator.

Jim grew up mastering living an enjoyable life through fishing, cooking, camping, and perfecting the art of fireworks. A faith-filled person and treasured friend and colleague, Jim had an amazing sense of humor and an ability to relate to anyone. His culinary skills were legendary—Jim could make anything taste delicious, and he loved making all different kinds of BBQ for his family and friends. Jim and his co-cooks competed successfully in BBQ contests. Most of all, Jim dedicated himself to his family and friends. From attending and supporting his daughters' school activities and milestone events to planning special vacations and adventures, Jim ensured his family and friends knew how much he deeply loved them and how happy he was to be with them. A perfect example of Jim's fun and generous hospitality took place in 2004 when Jim and Chris hosted the biannual Hrdy Reunion in Kansas City featuring fantastic BBQ and a tour of the area's notable spots.

Jim is survived by his best friend and cherished wife, Chris, beloved daughters Melinda and Ann Marie, brother David Hrdy (Alice), his uncle, Reinert Kvidal, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Larry and Sonja Cizek, sisters in-law Renae O'Brien (Larry) and Julie Cizek; his nieces and nephews, Courtney, Martha, and James T. Hrdy, Jack, Emily, and Connor O'Brien, Elizabeth Neff, and cousins Julie Burger (Dave), Lori Moss (Paul), and Dan Rose (Denise), and extended Hrdy family. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and his aunt and uncles, Caryl (Hrdy) Rose, Gary Rose, and John Kvidal. A private prayer service will be held for family. On Saturday, June 3, 2017, please join us for a celebration of Jim's life from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Heritage Golf Course Clubhouse, 16445 South Lackman Road, Olathe.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Olathe South Orchestra, 1640 E. 151st St. Olathe, KS 66062. Attn: Greg Ferguson. Please note the Jim Hrdy Memorial on the memo line of your check.

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