James L. Urbanek, 79, of Colby died Monday, March 20, 2023, in Colby. He was born August 25, 1943, in Lincoln, Kansas, to Benjamin and Margaret (Schroeder) Urbanek. He graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1961. Jim served in the United States Navy. On October 17, 1964, he married Cheryl Jimison.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Joseph Urbanek, Donald Urbanek, David Urbanek, and Gary Urbanek; and his beloved wife, Cheryl.

He is survived by his children, Jamie (Paul) Heskett, of Oakley, KS and Mitch Urbanek, of Plainville, KS; sisters, Rosemary Rathbun, of Ellsworth, KS, Theresa Richards (Les), of Sylvan Grove, KS, and Valerie Urbanek, of Houston, TX; seven grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

There will be no visitation. A Rosary will be held Friday, March 24, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Colby, with burial in Beulah Cemetery, Colby. Memorials may be made to Citizens Medical Center for the Serenity Room and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Online condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com