Jim Schalansky

Jim Schalansky, 71, Topeka, passed away on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at St. Francis Hospital.
Jim was born November 24, 1940 in Smith Center, Kansas, the son of Albert and Lucille (Sweat) Schalansky. He graduated from Kensington High School in 1958, Fort Hays State University with a degree in Biology, Washburn University with a degree in Psychology, and received his Masters in Rehabilitation Counseling from Emporia State University.
His career was focused on helping people with substance and drug abuse issues. He was Director of the Community Addictive Treatment Center in Topeka, then Director of Alcohol and Drug Abuse services for the State of Kansas. He retired from the Department of Aging in 2003.
Jim was a member of Lowman United Methodist Church, where he served on church councils and was active with the Youth Group. He was active in the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and 4-H with his children and a member of the Topeka Mustang Club.
Jim's passions were his children and grandchildren, his farm in Smith County and antique sales. He was an avid sports fan including the Kansas City Chiefs, KU Jayhawks and K-State Wildcats.
Jim married Janet Painter on July 20, 1974 at Reading United Methodist Church in Reading, Kansas. She survives. Other survivors include son, Jay (Emily) Schalansky, and their children, Campbell, Charlotte and Chase; daughters, Jill Schalansky and Julie Schalansky; mother, Lucille Schalansky, all of Topeka; brother, Joe (Peggy) Schalansky and their 3 daughters, Overland Park, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his father; father-in-law, Curtis Painter; and daughter-in-law, Vicki Schalansky.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at Lowman United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Inurnment and graveside services will be held at 1:30 on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the Bohemian Cemetery in Smith County, Kansas. Reception to follow to receive family and friends at the Kensington Senior Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Lowman United Methodist Church, 4000 SW Drury Lane, Topeka, Kansas 66604 or United Way of Greater Topeka, Substance and Drug Abuse, 1315 SW Arrowhead, Suite B, Topeka, Kansas 66604.