Robert "Bob" Laurence Jilka

Dr. Robert “Bob” Laurence Jilka, 77, of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away at home on July 4, 2026. He was born in Kansas to the late Laurence and Mildred Jilka.

Bob is preceded in death by his brother, Edward Jilka; daughter-in-law, Jamie Jilka; and brother-in-law, Wes Nakajima. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Judy Jilka; children, Kari Bacon (Mike), Chris Jilka, and Kate Bree (Adam); grandchildren, Annalysse, Kennedi, and Zachary Bacon, Lily and Hayley Jilka, and Sadie and Caralyn Bree; siblings, Mary Louise Jilka, David Jilka (Patti), and Monica Gutierrez (Steve); along with a host of family and friends.

Bob grew up in Salina, Kansas, where he graduated from Sacred Heart High School before attending Kansas State University. A lifelong music enthusiast, he enjoyed playing the saxophone and was a proud member of the marching band in both high school and college.

Bob's lifelong passion was learning and scientific discovery. He earned his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Saint Louis University in 1975, followed by postdoctoral research at Hoffmann-La Roche in Nutley, New Jersey. He then continued his work in bone research at the VA Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri.

In 1990, Bob joined a close-knit osteoporosis research team at Indiana University–Purdue University in Indianapolis, Indiana. They later moved their research group to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas. Bob spent the rest of his career there, continuing to pioneer osteoporosis research and advancing the field through numerous internationally recognized publications.

Bob mentored many young scientists and was invited to lecture before scientific audiences around the world. His enthusiasm for discovery was evident in the dedication he brought to his work. He often remarked that he had never "worked" a day in his life because he truly loved his research.

Bob's Roman Catholic faith was the foundation of his life and was a source of strength and guidance during his final years. As a devoted member of Christ the King Parish, he participated in the Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration ministry and sang in the parish choir for more than 30 years.

Throughout their marriage, Bob and Judy shared a love of travel, exploring destinations around the world, including Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Alaska, and much of Europe. Bob also found great joy in spending time with his grandchildren, forming a special and unique bond with each of them.

A Rosary service will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church with a Funeral Mass beginning at 10:00 AM. Inurnment and reception will follow.