John James Kalina Jr.

John James Kalina Jr. age 26 of Flatonia, Texas passed away April 7, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas due to an auto accident. John Jr. was born on 26 October 1989 in Killeen Texas, to the son of John J. Kalina Sr., and Aurora (Alvarado) Kalina. He graduated from Flatonia High School in 2008. After graduation he entered the United States Army and deployed twice to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon, and the Non-Article 5 NATO Medal for service in relation to International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. Upon completion of military service, he pursued a degree in Aviation Management, Professional Pilot Program at Palo Alto Community College in San Antonio, Texas, where he was able to accomplish his dream of becoming a licensed helicopter pilot. John Jr. was affiliated with the Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Owners Pilots Association, and Palo Alto Community College. John Jr. was active in the San Antonio community, recruiting future students for the aviation field and held the title of Treasurer of Wings Program at Palo Alto Community College.

He is survived by his parents: John J. Kalina Sr. and Aurora (Alvarado) Kalina; sister, Katherine Kalina of LaGrange; brother, Kurtis Kalina of LaGrange; Grandparents, Jerome and Doris Kalina, Jerry and Andrea Alvarado of Flatonia, great-grandmother Rose Buell Andrews of Houston, 2 nephews-Kalub Kalina, Korey Kalina and 1 niece-Emma Dunham.

Visitation will begin at 12 Noon Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Smith Funeral Home Chapel-Flatonia. Rosary will be recited at 9:30 am April 15, 2016 followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Praha with Father Gabriel Maison officiating. Full Military Honors and burial will be under the direction of the Fort Sam Houston Honor Guard.

Word of comfort can be sent to the family at www.smithfuneralhomeflatonia.com

Smith Funeral Home-128 East 5th St.-Flatonia, Texas 78941-Phone #-361-865-3311