Born on September 16, 1932 in Prague, Czechoslovakia
Departed on May 28th, 2021, in Melbourne Beach, Florida
Vaclav (James, Jimmy) Pruzina was born on September 16, 1932 in Prague, Czechoslovakia to parents Anna Tužilova and Vaclav Pružina. He died on May 28th, 2021, in Melbourne Beach, Florida. He was 88 years old.
Vaclav (Jimmy) proudly became a United States citizen after bravely taking his immediate family and escaping the Communist regime in 1969. He has lived in Manhattan, New York City, Philadelphia, PA, Smithville, N.J. and finally, for the past 20 years, in Melbourne Beach, Florida.
Jimmy loved having an active life. As a waiter trained in French service, he worked in the Wall Street Banker’s Club and many five star restaurants as a maitre’d. He directed catering for banquets in hotels such as the Sheraton, the Hilton, the Tropicana Casino and others. He played tennis under almost any weather conditions, including high humidity and 95 degree heat. He loved tent camping, fishing off-shore, as well as off of his boat on the Jersey Shore. As he got older, he exchanged his tent for a Winnebago Mini camper. This became his pride and joy, as he and his wife explored the country together in style.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, three children, eight grand children and seven great-grandchildren in the United States, and by a sister living in Prague, Czech Republic.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 10:30 am on Saturday, June 5, 2021.
5 entries.
Lori Jo (Pfeiffer) Trautman
from Lancaster, PA wrote on September 17, 2022:
My daughter recently asked me about the neighbors I grew up with in King of Prussia, PA and, of course, I wrote a lot about the Pruzina family and how wonderful it was to have them living right next door to us for many years while I was growing up. They were all such good friends to us and greatly enriched our lives. I will never forget the freshly caught bluefish Jimmy would bring us after a day of fishing. My family loved bluefish and so appreciated his gift to us! I cannot even imagine my life growing up without Jimmy and his family next door to us. I was saddened to find Jimmy's obituary recently. My memory of him is forever in my heart and my sincere condolences go out to the entire family. Jimmy was one of a kind. I was blessed to know him and the entire family.
christine coulter
from Galloway NJ wrote on June 2, 2021:
To Jimmy's loving family,
I feel blessed to have been Jim and Emma's next door neighbor for nearly 20 years in Smithville, NJ. Jimmy and Emma always had an open door and open arms for me and my 2 boys. Later, when they moved to FLA., I was fortunate enough to be a guest in their home on several occasions. I greatly admired and loved Jimmy. He has touched more lives than he would ever realize. God bless you all - Christine Coulter
Matthew Munn
from Perth, Australia wrote on June 2, 2021:
John and family. Wish we could be there with you and the family remembering your dad & grandfather. From here we will have prayers, smiles and thoughts of you and Mr. Pruzina. May the Spirit of God flood your minds with wonderful memories of "Mr. Pruzina."
Jim and Cindy Strauss
from Barefoot Bay wrote on June 2, 2021:
Our prayers and condolences go out to all the Pruzina family. We are friends of John and Anne Pruzina from IL when John was our childrens' youth pastor. What a beautiful tribute to a man who, although we did not have the opportunity to meet, was courageous and lived a full life. Jim and I can see where John gets his exuberance and zest for life from.
Daniela Eichelberger
from DeForest wrote on June 1, 2021:
Born on September 16, 1932 in Prague, Czechoslovakia