James Filip Cermak

James Filip Cermak 1962-2025

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our cherished son, brother and uncle James Filip Cermak of Omaha, Nebraska at the age of 63 leaving a void his family cannot fill. We are devastated by his unexpected passing. Jim was a solitary man, fiercely independent while at the same time dedicated to his family. He was a loyal friend and a hard worker.

Jim was born at a U.S. Naval Hospital at the Naval Air Station Port Lyautey near Kenitra, Morocco, while his father was stationed with the Air Force in Sidi Slimane, Morocco 39 miles away. Jim was the middle child, often solitary in his youth, working alone on puzzles, building model airplanes, and other creative projects. This personality trait carried over into his future endeavors.

Jim graduated from Waterloo H.S. and attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He pursued a career in drafting and after gaining expertise in glass installation, went out on his own as an Independent Contractor. He was sought after, due to his work ethic, his attention to detail and his demand for excellence in the intricate installation of windows for large commercial projects.

Jim was a good and loyal friend, yet somewhat competitive while bowling in his league. He and his friend Ed were staunch Buffalo Bill’s fans – a passion that he learned from his dad and shared with his brothers and sisters. Jim had hoped to see the day when the Bills win the Super Bowl, even after being devastated by their 4 consecutive losses in the 90’s. He never lost faith, so neither will we. Maybe this year!

Jim loved his family and was particularly attentive to his mother in her later years. He had a special kinship with his Grandma Sylvia and learned his cookie baking skills from her. Jim enjoyed his cats to whom he gave and from whom he received much love.

It is often said that you can tell a man’s heart by the way he treats family, children and animals. Our entire family can attest that his heart was pure, full and special. Though our hearts are broken, we are blessed for having him as long as we did, and we pray that he is at peace and that our Lord’s graces are shining upon him.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara A. Russell; grandparents, Harry A. and Sylvia K. Cermak, and Charles and Alice Soch; and uncle, Charles Soch.

James is survived by his father and stepmother, John P. and Pamela Cermak; siblings, John/Rob Cermak, Lisa K. (Dan) Setlak, Justin (Noel) Cermak, and Allison (Jerry) Borgschulte; nieces and nephews, Jennifer (Bill) Mackey, Amanda (Ben) Blunck, Nicholas Cermak, Sarah (Patrick) Ingersoll, and Lucy and Jack Borgschulte. He also leaves behind his beloved cat, and many dear family members and friends who will miss him greatly

Memorials may be directed to the Humane Society on Jim's behalf.