James W. Hronek

Jim Hronek died in Urbana, Illinois on October 29, 2022.

Jim was born April 17, 1946, in Painesville, Ohio, son of James E and Doris L (Corrington) Hronek. He married Karen Robertson Yates, on October 28, 1995, in Wheaton, Illinois; she survives. Survivors include his sons, Steve, of West Sacramento, CA; Mike (Wendy), of Elmhurst, IL; and Dave of Bloomington, IL; and two granddaughters Addison and Avery.

Jim graduated from Proviso West HS, Hillside, IL in 1963 and attended Illinois State Normal University (now Illinois State University).

He served in the United States Navy from 1966 until 1970, but was never active aboard a ship, spending most of his time in Cutler, Maine, and Camp ODonnell, Capas, Tarlac, Philippines.

Jim worked at retail flower shops in Bloomington & Normal, Illinois, 1970-1981; and at several wholesale florists for nine years after that. He was the third generation in the floral business that began with his grandfather, who began growing gladiolus commercially in rural Normal in the 1930s.

His most recent job was as the volunteer coordinator at Champaign County Nursing Home, Urbana, Illinois, where he was Mr. Nice Guy. Jim enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening and volunteered many hours working on the flower beds on the grounds at CCNH. He also served on the Advisory Council for RSVP of Champaign, Piatt, and Douglas Counties.

In June 2016, Jim and his wife, Karen decided to enjoy life in a warm, sunny place and moved to Spring Hill, Florida, where they enjoyed six years in a lovely 65+ community called Timber Pines. Then as they got older, they decided to return to Illinois to be closer to family. Most recently, they resettled in Urbana, Illinois again.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 03, 2022 from 1pm-4pm with a service to follow at 4pm at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center 710 N. Neil St Champaign, Illinois 61820

Please join his family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

Services Visitation Thursday November 3, 2022 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center Champaign-Urbana Chapel 710 N. Neil Street Champaign, , IL 61820 Service Thursday November 3, 2022 4:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center Champaign-Urbana Chapel 710 N. Neil Street Champaign, , IL 61820