of Paris, AR

January 10, 1947 - July 7, 2022

James Allan Czaplicki, born January 10, 1947 in Chicago, Illinois to Eugene and Jane Czaplicki. passed away on July 7, 2022 surrounded by his family at his home in Paris, Arkansas as he wished. A traditional Irish wake immediately followed in his honor with his wife, brother, sons and friends. Jim graduated high school from Loyola Academy in Evanston, Illinois and then began college at Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. His studies were temporarily interrupted after he enlisted in the United States Army for aviation training and then received a commission as a Chief Warrant Officer in 1967. He then served a tour of duty in Vietnam as a UH-1 pilot attached to the 335th Assault Helicopter Company, The Cowboys, from 1967-1968. During his tour in Vietnam he was awarded The Purple Heart for wounds received in action, The Air Medal and The Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism while participating in aerial flight. After his tour of duty in Vietnam, he transferred to Fort Rucker, where he served as Flight Instructor and later Instrument Examiner Course Flight Instructor, before separating with a terminal rank of Captain.

He then resumed his college education at Troy State University where he received his Bachelor's degree in Psychology, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 1972 and then a PhD in Psychobiology from Peabody/Vanderbilt University, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1976. During his time as a graduate research assistant and director of the animal research laboratory, his research was published in several national and international scientific journals. He then served as Chief Psychologist at Conway and Booneville Human Development Centers while concurrently serving as Instrument Examiner for the Arkansas National Guard at Camp Robinson in North Little Rock, before receiving his honorable discharge. He then finished his career as a consulting psychologist for 35 years before his retirement in 2016. Jim devoted his career as a psychologist to advancing treatment guidelines allowing for improved medical and societal outcomes for a special subset of the population who always held a place near to his heart.

While away from work, he was an avid trout fisherman, hunter and outdoorsman, as he always found peace in nature. Following his retirement he devoted himself to a new passion of raising multiple species of heirloom peppers from seed, which brought him immense joy. He was a devoted husband of 54 years to the love of his life, Karen Czaplicki, with whom he raised two sons and always referred to them as his best work. As a father he proved to be a profound educator, mentor, role model and childhood entertainment module repair specialist, as he was always able to fix all of our broken toys. Later in life he also found immense pleasure as a grandfather and was affectionately referred to as ''Popi'' by his two granddaughters. Jim leaves behind a legacy as a pilot, psychologist, brother, husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend that will ripple through time as that of a stone cast into water and will be missed by all who came to know him.

He is survived by his wife, Karen Czaplicki of Paris, Arkansas; son, Patrick Czaplicki and wife Crystal of Renton, Washington; son, Peter Czaplicki and wife Kristen of Glen Allen, Virginia; brother, Curtis Chopin Czaplicki and wife Robin of Paris, Arkansas; granddaughters, Bailey Elaine and Adelynn Jane Czaplicki of Renton, Washington; brother-in-law, Michael DeMilia of Mineola, Texas; brother-in-law, Paul DeMilia and wife Mary Beth of Clarksville, Tennessee; sister-in-law, Debbie Czaplicki of Spring Grove Illinois; four nephews, Paul Kevin Jr., Philip, Peter and Patrick DeMilia; nephew, Michael Czaplicki and wife Caroline of Richmond, Illinois; great niece, Lyla Czaplicki and great nephew, Everett Czaplicki of Richmond, Illinois and numerous cousins in Illinois, Oregon and Massachusetts.

In lieu of gifts to the family, donations can be made to Mercy Fort Smith Home Hospice or St. Jude Children's Research hospital. A memorial gathering will be scheduled at a later date for family and friends. Arrangements are under the direction of Roller Funeral Home in Paris. Online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/paris

Obituary Provided By:
Roller Funeral Home
1700 East Walnut Street
Paris, AR  72855
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com