Jim Joseph Bezdek, 86, of Denton passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 17, 2015. Jim was born in the city of West, Texas on October 1, 1929. In 1957, he married Rose Anello from Bronx, New York. They adopted four children; Steven, Elaine, Paul and Jana. He graduated with honors from West High School and Hillsboro College and later received a Bachelors Degree in Mathematics from the University of North Texas and a Doctorate of Mathematics from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Jim was the head of the math department in the Fort Worth Public School system and served as a consultant and co-author of a K-12 math series published by Laidlaw Doubleday. Around 1970, he joined the University of North Texas as a Professor of Higher Education and remained there until his retirement. Later, in 2011, he received The Ulys Knight Spirit Award for his exceptional efforts to build spirit and support among the university family. He also served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1953. Jim was a lifelong educator and had a great love of music, especially the accordion. He began playing accordion in his youth, in a band called the Plowboys, and continued playing the rest of this life. Jim was very proud of his Czech heritage and was very active and supportive of the Czech Heritage Society.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Rose; sons Steven and Paul; daughter Jana Larsen, husband Scott Larsen and granddaughter Jordan; and grandsons Trey and Chris Gershon and great granddaughter Claire Elaine. He was preceded in death by his loving daughter Elaine Gershon.

The Rosary will be said Friday, November 20, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. at DeBerry Funeral Chapel. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, November 21, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Mark Catholic Church.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Solaris Hospice and care givers for their services during Jim's illness. The family would like to request memorials to be made to Solaris Hospice, 2250 Hwy 51, Decatur, Texas 76234, in lieu of flowers.