James Karl “Jim” Kaderabek

James Karl “Jim” Kaderabek passed away on April 11, 2026, at the age of 89, reunited once again with his beloved wife of 66 years, Micki, who preceded him in death in July 2025.

Early Life

Jim was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Karl and Dorothy Kaderabek, the grandson of Swedish and Bohemian immigrants. His childhood was filled with close family gatherings, hunting the Iowa cornfields, fishing along the Des Moines River, and annual trips to “fish camp” in Canada.

He especially loved spending time with his veterinarian grandfather, Antone Kaderabek, accompanying him on trips to the serum plant in Fort Dodge where hog vaccine research was taking place.

Jim graduated from Fort Dodge High School, maintaining lifelong friendships with classmates and fondly reminiscing about youthful adventures, practical jokes, and early morning “duck hunter’s mass” before heading out to hunt with friends.

Education & Marriage

Jim attended Iowa State University, earning a degree in Forestry. He often joked that he was actually pursuing a degree in “Pitch,” the card game that often took priority over studying—until he met Micki through mutual friends.

Despite attending rival schools, Jim and Micki quickly fell in love and were married on September 6, 1958. Their partnership became the foundation of a lifetime of adventure, service, and devotion to family.

Career & Forest Service Life

Jim began his professional career in Kansas, inspecting railroad lines and ties, where daughters Jill and Jody were born. He soon discovered his true calling as a forester with the U.S. Forest Service, relocating the family to Big Creek, California, where he served as a front-line wildland firefighter and timber cruiser. Their son, Todd, was born during those years.

In 1967, the family moved to the Big Bend Ranger District on Donner Summit, experiencing record-setting snowfalls and developing a deep love for skiing and mountain life. Jim especially enjoyed cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing with friends.

By 1969, Jim was transferred to the Sierraville Ranger District, where he served as:

• Fire Management Officer
• Range Manager
• Interim District Ranger

He worked closely with local ranchers and was respected for his collaborative leadership style. Later, he became District Ranger in Adin, California, before transferring to the Devils Garden District in Canby. During his tenure with the Modoc National Forest, he received regional recognition for his conservation work protecting wetlands and threatened species habitat.

Retirement & Family Life

In 1998, Jim and Micki retired to Weiser, Idaho, where they embraced time with grandchildren, family gatherings, gardening, canning, hunting, fishing, and bridge parties with friends.

Jim had an extraordinary love for the outdoors and practical knowledge of the land. Fishing was one of his greatest passions, and he spent countless hours teaching three generations how to cast, bait hooks, and reel in fish.

Together, Jim and Micki traveled to all 50 states, took a six-week camping trip through Alaska, traveled to Ireland, and enjoyed annual fishing trips to Canada.

Faith & Service

Jim was a devoted Catholic and a tireless volunteer for St. Agnes Parish. He faithfully served on the Parish Council and carefully managed church finances with the same dedication he gave to his career and family.

In Micki’s later years battling dementia, Jim became her loving caregiver—cooking meals, helping her play Bingo at Edgewood, and spending every afternoon possible by her side, even while fighting his own battle with cancer.

Preceded in Death

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Karl and Dorothy Kaderabek; his wife, Micki; his son-in-law, Ted Hermanson; nephews Tim McClimon, Jay Morgan, and Kevin Morgan; and brothers-in-law Ron Morgan, Dan McClimon, Rick Ricketts, Max Koeper, Dave Wright, and Mike Shara.

Survived By

Jim is survived by his daughters Jill (Jerome) Grandi of Weiser and Jody Hermanson of Durham, North Carolina; his son Todd (Katherine) Kaderabek of Asheville, North Carolina; sisters Ann Koeper and Polly Wright; brother-in-law Marty McClimon; sisters-in-law Pat Ricketts, Pat McClimon, Dyan (Scott) McClimon, and Maureen Shara; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was a proud grandfather to Odo (Anna) Grandi, Sally Grandi, Libby (David) Johns, Thames (Ty) Higginbotham, and Miller (Emily) Kaderabek, and a cherished great-grandfather to Ava Grandi, Madison Johns, Hayes Grandi, Silas Johns, Della Grandi, Tripp Grandi, and Robert Higginbotham.

Services

A Rosary Vigil will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Weiser, Idaho.

A Funeral Mass and burial will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

An online viewing link for the Funeral Mass may be found under Jim’s obituary at altogetherfuneral.com.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Pierson, Janelle Wright, the St. Al’s Ontario infusion staff, Angel Wings, Ancora Hospice, and the caring staff at Edgewood Assisted Living for the extraordinary compassion and support they provided.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Agnes Food Bank Charity Fund in Jim’s memory.