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Life story

" James Richard Kolakoski, of Springfield, Virginia, passed away on January 16th, 2024, in Arlington, Virginia surrounded by family. James was born1935, in Hopewell, Virginia, to the late Roman Kolakoski and Catherine Blaha Kolakoski. James is preceded in death by his sister, Catherine Poos, brothers, Roman, Charles and John Kolakoski. A first generation American of Polish and Czech descent, Jay spent his childhood in Hopewell and Arlington on various family farms, some without indoor plumbing or electricity. Due to his father’s passing in his early childhood, to help the family, Jay would ride his bicycle to deliver the Hopewell Paper and sell the family’s fresh eggs, butter, fruits, and vegetables.

He graduated from W&L High School, Arlington, Virginia, in 1954, and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Jay received an Honorable Discharge in 1962, after which time he graduated from Benjamin Franklin University in Washington, D.C. His aptitude for math served him well as he made his career working as an Accounting Manager for the Federal Government until his retirement 1994.

In 1961, he married Patricia “Pat” Ann Hotz, daughter of Rudolph Louis Hotz and Christine Reiter Hotz. They were blessed with three children, Cynthia Ann, Yvonne Alicia, and Daniel Patrick. James was affectionately known as Jay, “Ski,” Jim, or “Jimricky” to his friends.

A lifelong Catholic, Jay was a founding member of St. Raymond of Peñafort Catholic Church in Springfield, VA, and also volunteered for St. James Catholic Church in Falls Church. With his children he was active in both the Boy and Girl Scouts. He taught his children by example the value of “always be prepared”. Post retirement, Jay volunteered at INOVA Fairfax Hospital as a wheelchair transport aide for many years. Jay enjoyed square dancing, and was a founding member of the local bridge club.

He and his wife, Pat enjoyed traveling and visited many countries on five continents, frequently taking their grandchildren with them throughout the USA. His other hobbies included playing tennis, bird watching, reading books, watching movies, and spending time with his beloved family, whom he cherished and honored in every possible way a person can.

Jay had a unique sense of humor, which he named “Kolakoski humor” that garnered many a laugh or an eyeroll from his family over the years—and maybe an elbow in his ribs from his loving wife from time to time. He could see the beauty in all things, quietly and happily observing the merriment in social and family gatherings. He loved nature, especially blue jays, gold finches and hummingbirds and had a gentle and kind countenance and spirit; being around him made you slow down to appreciate God’s gifts in the flowers, plants, birds and wildlife surrounding us.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia Ann Hotz Kolakoski, daughter Cynthia Ann Buddell (Steve), daughter Yvonne Alicia Schultes, son Daniel Patrick Kolakoski (Happel); four grandchildren: Zachary Alexander Schultes (Casey), Taylor Maria Moore (Ron), Kyle Dickson Kolakoski, and Roman Brevard Kolakoski; and three great-grandchildren: Peyton Elizabeth Schultes, Rory Augustine Moore, and Remy Xavier Moore; his sister Mary Jo Kolakoski, sister-in-law Zenaida Olaes Icanyan Kolakoski, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James R. Kolakoski’s memory to St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church, 151 West Washington Street, Petersburg, Virginia 23805.

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