James Edward Vasek

James Edward Vasek, 48 of Austin, died on May 29, 2017, after a courageous battle with glioblastoma. Jim was born in Spokane, Wash. on Dec. 30, 1968. He graduated as valedictorian of his high school class from La Grange High School and received a Bachelor of Arts in Physics from Rice University, and Master of Arts in Physics and Master of Science in Material Science from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Jim was married to Heather Fenstermaker on Sept. 30, 1995 in Austin; they were married more than 21 years. Jim worked in a number of engineering positions at Motorola, Freescale Semiconductor, and NXP over a nearly 23- year career. He completed six marathons, more than a dozen half marathons and triathlons and enjoyed mountain biking as well. Astronomy was his lifelong passion. He was also actively involved in Texas 4000 for Cancer, Head for the Cure, Sunshine Camps of Austin and Rice Engineering Alumni. Jim is survived by his wife Heather; daughter, Jenna; son, Dylan; mother, Mary Manno Vasek; sister, Karin Vasek Dwight; brother-in-law, Michael Dwight; niece, Hailey Dwight; nephew, Travis Dwight; and other family and friends. Jim is preceded in death by his father Edward James Vasek, Jr.; grandfathers, Edward James Vasek, Sr. and Patsy John Manno; and grandmothers, Esther Vasek and Isabella Mary Manno. Visitation for Jim was held from 5 to 7 p.m., with Recitation of Holy Rosary at 6:15 p.m., on Thursday, June 1, 2017, at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral mass will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 2, 2017, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, with Fr. Bud of St. John Neumann officiating. Graveside services will be held Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 2 p.m. at St. Peter & Paul Church Cemetery in Plum. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jim’s name may be given to Texas 4000 for Cancer at www.Texas4000.org or Head for the Cure at www. headforthecure.org. The family of Jim Vasek wishes to thank Dr. Morris Groves and Rachel Smith at Texas Oncology and the wonderful staff at Hospice Austin for their support. Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home in Austin is in charge of arrangements.