Earl James Hajic

Earl James Hajic passed peacefully at home in Santa Barbara, CA on December 4, 2025 at the age of 99. He was preceded by his wife Winifred (Wink); his brothers Robert and Edgar (Carol), and his sister Phyllis (Frank Smetana). He is survived by his three sons Gregory (Barbara), Kenneth and Steven (Marji); and his grandson Zachary.

Earl (aka Bud) was born in Chicago, IL on June 4, 1926. He served in the Navy from 1944-1946, performing aircraft radar and radio servicing which sparked his interest in electronics. Earl later received his a BA and an MS in Electrical Engineering as a proud Illini from the University of Chicago Illinois.

Earl married Winifred in 1953 and the couple moved from Chicago to the west coast with a job transfer to the Motorola research lab where Earl specialized in microwave electronics. The Hajics found their way to Santa Barbara shortly after with a new opportunity for Earl at General Electric Tempo.

A second MA degree from UCSB in 1981 led to employment and eventual retirement as a senior lecturer and mentor in the geography department where Earl specialized in remote sensing and image processing.

Earl enjoyed the southern California lifestyle including beach running, ocean swimming and playing tennis. He became an icon on roller blades, frequently spotted sweeping, then skating, the Cabrillo Boulevard bike path.

An avid historian and archivist, Earl spent many hours pursuing photography and exploring his Czech family roots. He remained independent and active until just before his passing, enjoying time in the sun and devoting time to yard work.

Full obituary and guestbook at Legacy.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in Earl’s memory to Direct Relief or to VNA Health.

The family also extends their appreciation to Dr. Michael Bordofsky who provided invaluable support in keeping Earl independent and thriving through the years.