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
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27 Condolence(s)
Trish Hamlet
Monday, August 1, 2022
I love your family more than you will ever know! You accepted me with open arms and I knew after meeting Jim the first time that I fit right in! He was an amazing person and I am so very blessed to have known him the short time I did. All my love and sympathy â¤ï¸
Philip DeMilia
Monday, August 1, 2022
I kinda thought you were gonna live forever Uncle Jim. I’m really sorry I didn’t visit after my move. I’m still finding the words and feelings for your passing lost…I’ve been playing Rubberband Man by the spinners a lot lately. Every time I go to the bar. It was blasting when you took me for my first ride in a convertible. I really love that song because of you. I love you so much. You were my favorite Uncle and I hope I can uncle my nephews half as well as you did. How many kids can say their Uncle ate an alien!? I love you Uncle Jim….I hope wherever you are has lots of bourbon and good times to be had. Love you always
Philip
Matthew Whitman
Wednesday, July 27, 2022
Grew up with Peter and Patrick Jim is one of the best men I've ever known taught us all alot really enjoyed the camping trips to the cabin he will be missed sorry for your loss
David Wright
Tuesday, July 19, 2022
I was a very "green" Occupational Therapist when I met Dr. Jim at Brownwood in 1999! I learned a lot from him in the 17 years that I was blessed to work with him. He was one of a kind, and will be greatly missed.
Joyce thomas
Sunday, July 17, 2022
Jim wore his feelings on his sleeve. You guys love locked forever. May God watch over this family
Mary Ann Gilbert
Thursday, July 14, 2022
Sending my heartfelt sympathies to Karen and the Czaplicki family. Jim had a wonderful sense of humor, and a deep love of his family. Praying for you all.
Sara Richardson
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Such a wonderful, down to earth man he was. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family.
Connie Harrison
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Karen, I am so very sorry to hear of your husbands passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family.
Stephanie Robertson
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Karen,
Please accept my sincere condolences, and many heartfelt prayers for you and your family.
Darrell William Condry
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Jim was my assigned Pilot in Vietnam with the 335th AHC. He was a great stick and friend. I served 2 years in the 335th AHC, he truly was one of kind. While I haven't seen him in many years, I will always remember him!
Judy Koch
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Prayers, John Paul and Judy Koch
Eugene Cetwinski
Tuesday, July 12, 2022
Very sorry to hear about Jimmy. We were close cousins growing up in a happier time in Chicago
together. Many great memories of Sunday family get togethers as kids.
It was a better world with people like him in it
GENE & DIANE CETWINSKI
Dave & Robin Cetwinski’
Monday, July 11, 2022
Please accept our deepest condolences. We are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Please keep us posted about the celebration of life. Love you David & Robin
Tracy Schluterman
Monday, July 11, 2022
Karen, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Tracy Schluterman
Robin Oliver
Monday, July 11, 2022
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Gail Kaye
Monday, July 11, 2022
Karen and Jim went with me and my husband Jim to get married before he had to go back Vietnam. We have been friends for many year's. What a wonderful man he was to everyone he met. I will miss him but heaven better get ready for these two Jim's what a great time it will be. Love you Karen and praying for your boy's and family.
Marlana Cameron Ivy
Monday, July 11, 2022
I am deeply sorry for the families loss. He was a great neighbor and friend. Prayers for peace and comfort for all. ðŸ™ðŸ¼
BRIAN CHAMBERS
Monday, July 11, 2022
I consider myself very lucky to have known Jim for the past 30 years. He was a great role model and father figure. I have always looked up to him. We will miss him immensely. Sincerest condolences from the Chambers and Holman families. We love you all.
Michelle Cameron
Friday, July 8, 2022
My Grandparents where blessed to have them as neighbors for years. RIP.
Elaine Grigg
Thursday, July 7, 2022
Karen,
I am so sorry to hear about your husband. You and all the family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Cristi Butte'
Thursday, July 7, 2022
I have had the pleasure of knowing Jim and Karen for several years now and honored to call them good friends. Jim could be a rascal, but was so fun to sit on the front porch, visit and verbally spar with. He always gave great advice; brief and to the point. He will be missed on that porch, I know, but never forgotten. Love and condolences to Karen, Patrick, Peter and the Czaplicki family. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Robert L. McGehee
Thursday, July 7, 2022
I am so sorry to get this news. My heart goes out tho his family. He was someone I though6t much of, a really good man.
Lynda F Key
Thursday, July 7, 2022
I knew and worked with Dr. Jim at Brownwood Life Care Center for 27 years. Dr. Jim had a heart of love and compassion for the clients as well as the staff at BLCC. He was genuine and extremely knowledgeable. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Dr. Jim!
Lynda F Key
Thursday, July 7, 2022
I knew and worked with Dr. Jim at Brownwood Life Care Center for 27 years. Dr. Jim had a heart of love and compassion for the clients as well as the staff at BLCC. He was genuine and extremely knowledgeable. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Dr. Jim!
Ruthie & Bill Burkett
Thursday, July 7, 2022
The "Trisler" family has your family in our thoughts & prayers.
Celeste Fox
Thursday, July 7, 2022
Dear Karen,
We have not known each other very long but I consider you a special friend. From our texts, I feel you have handled this Jim's death with courage, strength, grace and faith. I am certain your family will be a huge comfort to you especially your sweet granddaughters. My sincere condolences to you and the family. Love you.
Debra Mathis
Thursday, July 7, 2022
I had the honor of working with Jim at the Booneville Human Development Center. He always had a grin on his face along with that characteristic laugh. He was a friend to many. Rest in love, Jim.