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JAMES (JIM) L. KOSHAK (7-25-35 to 11-09-12) Born in Johnstown, PA July 25, 1935 to Julia and Charles Koshak. The second of 11 children, he attended school in Portage, PA until he went to work for the railroad at age 15. At age 17, he joined the US Navy. He traveled the world with the Navy and retired as a Navy recruiter in Chico, after 22 years of service. He was a WWII, Korean and Vietnam War veteran. After retiring, he attended Butte College at night, where he earned a business degree and worked for Hooker Oak Office Furniture during the day. In 1975, he joined the United States Postal Service in Chico as a carrier, and worked his way up to his permanent position as Postmaster of Glenn, CA. He was at the Glenn Post office for 17 years. He so enjoyed the community in Glenn, however, the delicious cinnamon rolls we often heard about never made it home! The Koshak household was never empty and included, over the years, 35 foster children, 9 foreign exchange students and always, always extra friends at the dinner table. How many still remember, "No wrasslin' in the house!"? In his retirement, he and his wife, Rosada enjoyed traveling and cruising multiple times a year. Their last trip was a cruise to Alaska this past June. He particularly enjoyed frequent trips to the El Dorado in Reno, where he was a VIP and frequent winner of slot tournaments. Jim was a lifetime member of Chico Elks Lodge 423. Jim is survived by his wife, Rosada, who he met on a blind date in 1959. They were married 52 years. He is also survived by his 3 children, Jim (Elizabeth) Koshak, Moorpark, CA, Polly (Tim) Goodwin, Colorado Springs, CO, and Joe Koshak (Tawni Gager) of Chico, CA. He enjoyed his grandchildren, Shelby, Kyle, Samantha, Sheyann, Jennerose, Daniel, Jordan, Jourdan, Taryn and Karson. He has one great-grandson, Brayden. His very special nieces include, Joan, Shelley, Susie, Debbie and Brittnay, Gina, Lisa and nephew, Bill. Other special extended family members include, Dana and Guy Pitman of Chico. He is also survived by many other family members in Pennsylvania, Connecticut and New Mexico. He leaves behind many dear friends in Chico and all over the world, whom he also considered family. Following a long battle with asbestosis and heart disease, he died peacefully at home, with his family around him. The family wishes to sincerely thank Dr. Magnusson of Chico and Dr. Southard of UC Davis Medical Center whose devotion and care, gave Jim more time to enjoy family and friends. A graveside service for James will be held on Saturday, November 24, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. at Glenn Oaks Memorial Park, followed by a memorial service at the Chico Elks Lodge, 1705 Manzanita Avenue, Chico, CA at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project, (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) in memory of Jim, in care of the funeral home. Services are in care of Newton-Bracewell Chico Funeral Home. To send condolences to the family, go online to nbcfh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
3 Entries
Rosada, Joe and Family,
I totally admire you both for all the support and love you gave Jim during his illness. He was a true fighter.
Linda & Leo Gonzalez
November 16, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear about Jim's death, Rosada. He was a lovely person and my heart goes out to you and your family for your loss.
Nanette Sagastume
November 14, 2012
To the Koshak family, please accept my condolences for the loss of you dear loved one, Jim will be greatly missed. May your fond memories of him help ease some of the pain as you seek comfort from God. Psalms 55:22.
Mel Smith
November 14, 2012
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