Obituary of James F Kralik Sheriff

Sheriff James F. Kralik,74, of Sloatsburg peacefully passed away with his family by his side on July 24, 2017. He was born on April 19, 1943 in Queens, NY to Rudolph & Beatrice (Kohler) Kralik. James had a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and he was an adjunct professor at Rockland Community College. Among his other accomplishments, Jim had a great love for Civil War history, and he was a licensed battlefield guide in Gettysburg Pennsylvania, frequently guiding on horseback. Jim owned a campground and horse tour stable in Gettysburg for 20 years. He also owned the Lincoln Train Museum and co owned the Gettysburg Diorama Museum. Jim was in law enforcement for almost 50 years, including 20 years as Chief of Patrol and 20 years as the Sheriff of Rockland County. Jim is survived by the love of his life for 48 years, Bonnie Michelle (NE: Cerf) Kralik, his beloved daughters Tracy Kralik Berges & her husband Thomas, Kerri Melissa Kralik , and Jim's son, Casey James Kralik. He is also survived by his adored & cherished grandchildren Brieona, Alexi, & Aiden Berges, Jack & Jana Kralik, his caring sister Denise Duffy and his beloved friends Joellen & Mark Olley who introduced Jim & Michelle 52 years ago, along with numerous in-laws, aunts, uncles & cousins. The family will receive friends & relatives at the TJ McGowan Sons Funeral Home 71 N. Central Highway Garnerville, NY on Thursday July 27th from 4- 8 PM & Friday July 28th from 4-9 PM, A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Jim on Saturday July 29th at 10:45 AM in Sacred Heart Church in Suffern. A Private cremation will follow. Jim was a strong advocate of the usefulness of the mounted patrol, and the family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made in Jim's memory to the Mounted Police Foundation of Rockland County, P.O. Box 323 New City, NY 10956