Jay Papacek 11/4/1975 ~ 7/18/2021
James Patrick Papacek graduated from Fargo South High School, St. Thomas University, St. Paul and the Montessori Program at St. Thomas University, St. Paul.
Jay loved teaching, traveling, and kids. He was affectionately called “Mr. Jay” by his students. He taught in Paris, China, Vietnam, Japan and most recently Hong Kong.
Jay lived on an island called Peng Chau in Hong Kong. Peng Chau maintained the old China charm with wet and fresh fish markets. Jay loved the marketplaces and Peng Chau. He fled Hong Kong during the pandemic only to come to North Dakota where the infection rate was worse. He missed the South China Sea breezes, sitting on the sea wall, and his walks on the beach.
Jay is survived by a valued and dear love, Chantal Phillips, Hong Kong; father, James Papacek; aunts and uncles, George and Bev Papacek, Ed and Mary Wagner and their respective families.
Jay was preceded in death by his mother, Pat Papacek, a French Teacher; grandparents, George and Irene Papacek, who were local tailors; and Gladys Murphy, a one room schoolteacher and secretary.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at 4:00 PM, at the Bismarck Funeral Home.
A graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Fargo at 10:00 AM, Saturday, at Pat Papacek’s gravesite.
Jay was a shy and quiet man who will be missed by the world. His passing advice to his father was “plant more flowers!!”
To view the service click here .
COMMENTS:
“My heart goes out to Jim Papacek on the passing of Jay. We were neighbors and our sons played together when they were youngsters. I worked with Pat and Jim Papacek for 15 years at South High. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Papacek family, Vicki and Glenn Richard.”
Dear Jim, so sorry for your loss. Jay was a unique individual. Our condolences, Carolyn and Glenn Renfandt
Jim, I am so sorry about Jay’s death. I wish you comfort and peace during this time of loss. ~Ellen Aho