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James Kotula Obituary
Born Jan. 26, 1994, son of John and Mary Kathleen Kanavy Kotula, Elmhurst, he was a student of the junior class of Holy Cross High School. He was a member of St. Stanislaus Polish National Catholic Cathedral, vice president of St. Stanislaus Youth Group, vice president of the youth convocation held in July; former altar server and valedictorian of his eighth-grade graduating class at St. Stanislaus Elementary School. At Holy Cross, he was a member of the soccer team, swim team, track team, secretary of student council, pro-life club, chess club, show choir and the foreign language club. Jamie was also a member of the National Honor Society. Jamie was the light of his parent's lives. He was a loving son, brother, grandchild and friend whose smile and kind ways touched so many lives. In keeping with Jamie's kindness and generosity in life as in death, his wishes to be an organ donor are being honored.
Also surviving are two brothers, John Kotula, a student at the Commonwealth Medical College; and Jeffrey Kotula, a student at the University of Scranton; paternal grandmother, Mary Wentland Kotula, Scranton; and maternal grandfather, Leonard Kanavy, Scranton; aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, the Rev. John Kotula; and maternal grandmother, Mary Langan Kanavy.
The funeral will be Monday with Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Stanislaus Polish National Catholic Cathedral. Interment, parish cemetery. Friends may call at St. Stanislaus Polish National Catholic Cathedral on Sunday from 2 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Stanislaus Polish National Catholic Cathedral, 529 E. Locust St., Scranton, PA 18505; St. Stanislaus Elementary School, 529 E. Locust St., Scranton, PA 18505; or the Diocese of Scranton Diocesan Scholarship Fund. Arrangements by the Leon S. Gorgol Funeral Home, 1131 Pittston Ave.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Kotula
Mark Davitt
January 21, 2011
John,
James, you and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. We wish God's peace will gently come to you all.
- Mark and Maureen Davitt
Marilyn Trudnowski Skaggs
January 20, 2011
John, Kathy and Family,
I met Jamie last fall at the St. Stanislaus festival while visiting with Mary. I was very impressed with him, and spoke with him about his grandfather and my fond memories of him. God Bless all of you during this time of sorrow.
January 20, 2011
Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. My parents & I are praying foryou and your family.
Cyndie, Grace, & George Seashock Sr.
Cyndie Seashock
January 20, 2011
Kathy, We are so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you and your family.
God Bless
Cyndie, Grace & George Seashock Sr.
Rob Augg
January 20, 2011
You and your family have my deepest sympathies. You will be in my family's prayers.
george seashock
January 20, 2011
Kathy, I just heard of your loss and I am very sorry. As a father I know this is the most difficult and seemingly unfair thing you could ever endure. I pray for your family. May you witness God be glorified through this and may you be richly blessed. Weep not; he is not dead, but sleepeth. Luke 8:52 Believe in Jesus' resurrection, and so our own.
January 18, 2011
Hello John and Family,
I have just bid farewell to my just 20 year old Son as he leaves for the Gulf with our Navy.
You have my condolences as I can only begin to comprehend your loss.
My prayers are with you!
Warm regards,
Mark Woods
IRS,
Brisane,
Australia.
Allyson Seliga
January 18, 2011
John, Kathy, John and Jeffrey...I just can't put into words what a tragic loss this is to me. It's just not real yet. With the help and support of the friends and family we all have it will get better. be grateful and remember the good time you had with Jamie... as I know that I will. My thought sand prayers are with all of you as they will continue to be at this tragic time.
Patty Genovay
January 18, 2011
John and family, I am stunned by the news of your youngest son. What can anyone say that is comforting? My prayers are with you all. I will pray for you to have the strength to make it through each day. Our entire company sends their love your way. Now you have an Angel to watch over you.
Patty Genovay
A-1 Collection Service
NYS Collectors Association
January 18, 2011
Dear John: You and your family are in the thoughts of all of us, and we pray for your strength in the days ahead. We are so sorry for your loss. Kathy Kelly
Dorothy and Dawn Rygiel
January 18, 2011
Kathy,John,and boys, Dawn and I were so crushed by Jamie's passing that I could not attend his service. You may remember that I lost a son who was only 10 years old. I know that intolerable sorrow that you feel. I cry for your pain. Only our faith will make us strong. Jamie will never be forgotten. Keep him where he belongs....in your heart and he will always live. God Bless.
The Herron Family
January 18, 2011
Dear Kotula Family,
We pray that you find the strength to endure this awful tragedy. Jamie will be looking down on you forever. We are so deeply sorry for your loss.
January 18, 2011
Dear John, Kathy and boys-
When I first received the email, I had to read it several times because in my heart I didn't want to believe it. My heart aches for you and I know you are deeply hurting right now. I pray that you are comforted by the Lord and feel his arms around your family. I also take comfort in knowing that Jamie was a believer and is truly alive and well in our final home in Heaven. I pray that your grief turns to joyful memories of Jamie. We all love you and care for you. I will continue to lift you up in prayer. Love, Donna Nicholson Stief
January 18, 2011
John and Family,
Please accept our most sincere condolences. Our hearts go out to you and your family. We share in your grief and pray that God brings you peace and comfort.
Julie Smith, Orlando, Florida (ACA Committee chair - Creditors Division)
Joe Grandizio
January 18, 2011
John and Family---We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Jason Seliga
January 18, 2011
John, Kathy, and family. My thoughts and prayers are always with you. May the best memories of Jamie be in your hearts and on your minds forever. God bless you through the most trying of times.
karen schofield
January 17, 2011
John and Kathy and Family,
There are no words that can possibly express my deepest sympathy for this profound loss. I am truly sorry. My prayers are with you. Lovingly, your friend,
Karen Schofield
Clarks Summit, Pa
Andrea Rose
January 17, 2011
John & Family-- Aaron and I would like to extend our deepest condolences to you and your family during this most difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Aaron and Andrea (Gale) Rose, Financial Services Industry, MN
Melanie Holmgren
January 17, 2011
Dear John, Kathy, John and Jeffrey,
I want to extend my deepest condolences to you and all your family during this most difficult time. May your special memories of Jamie be a comfort to all of you. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Stephen Ritterbeck
January 17, 2011
John and Kathy,
I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Matthew Lynott
January 17, 2011
John, Kathy, and Family
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. May God bless all of you.
Armand Zangardi
January 17, 2011
Pat and I are so saddened by your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Thomas and Lee Ann Sabatini
January 17, 2011
Dear John and Kathy and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. May God keep you wrapped in His loving arms as you bear this terrible tradgedy. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
January 17, 2011
Dear Kotula family,
My husband Ray and I have just read the beautiful tribute to your son Jamie.
Having the pleasure of our son Angelo marrying Julie, and becoming part of the Polish National Church, brought happiness to our family. Being in the audience of your church school's yearly performances, we as grandparents to Regina and Juliana had the pleasure of observing your son on stage.
Our grandaughter's hearts are broke, loosing their lifelong friend.
May the joy he brought to everyone, and all the help he will give by being an organ doner bring you and your family God's comfort.
Sincerely,
Raymond and Carol Petrunich
Michael McDonnell & family
January 17, 2011
John & family:
May your faith and the love of friends and family support you during this difficult time. We send our condolences and prayers to comfort your family.
Mike Shoop
January 17, 2011
John and Family,
Lori and I are deeply saddened and very, very sorry to hear of your loss. May God's strength be with you in the days and weeks ahead.
January 17, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Our deepest condolences to you. God bless all of you.
Susan and Joseph Montaro
Phil Rosenthal
January 17, 2011
John,kathy and family very sorry for your tragic loss.My thoughts and prayers are with you.
January 17, 2011
John,
Jaimie's life on earth was cut way to short. Knowing how you loved to brag about Jamie and learning how much he accomplished in his time with us makes me certain his memory will ultimately be a guiding light and a source of fond memories for you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Irwin Bernstein
Michael McDonnell & family
January 17, 2011
John & family:
May your faith and the love of friends and family support you during this most difficult time. We send our condolences and our prayers to comfort all of you during this time of great loss.
James Quinn
January 17, 2011
John, Kathy and family:
Please except my sincere condolences on your tragic loss. By all accounts Jamie was a wonderful young man who was truly loved and will be sorely missed by all those he touched in his life. May God bless Jamie and your entire family.
Jean Cottington
January 17, 2011
Dear John and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of great loss.
Max Feldman
January 17, 2011
John and family. My wife, Kellee, and I extend our deepest condolences.
January 17, 2011
Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Kevin & Alicia Kurcoba
Louis Baldassari
January 17, 2011
John and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. May God bless all of you.
Rev. Jason Soltysiak
January 16, 2011
John, Kathy, John, Jeff, all the Kotulas: What a whirlwind these last few days have been for your family and our Parish. Such sadness, such pain. Jamie brought in hundreds upon hundreds of people to our Cathedral tonight, many waiting 2+ hours. What a testament to a life lived well and a powerful impact made. I'll miss him very much as a student, faithful Catholic, and, most importantly, as a friend. God bless you all.
Sherry Novotka
January 16, 2011
The Kotula Family,
Our hearts weigh heavily with the grief you must endore. Jamie has a bright soul and will help guide you through this. Our thoughts and prayers will be endlessly sent your way.
Sherry and Ron Novotka
Tom Stockton
January 16, 2011
John,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of grief. There are no sufficient words at times such as these but I wanted you to know that the Stockton family is praying for the Kotulo family. May God comfort you and uphold you.
Your friend,
Tom Stockton
Carey Shandley
January 16, 2011
John and family, no words can help. I still see the pain in my parents from the loss of my brother at an early and unexpected age. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Your faith and love will help you through this very trying and devastating time in your life. God Bless
Peter Sidari
January 16, 2011
Dear John
Bill Burget
January 16, 2011
John and Family:
It is my prayer that you will be lifted up and receive the Love of Our Father and the many friends that ...right now want to reach out to you and tell you how sorry we are for your loss. May God Bless your family and give you the hope that the future is bright through HIS love!
January 16, 2011
Dearest Kotula Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this tragic time. Although, this is a tough time right now, it is Jamie's memories that will keep you going. May GOD Bless Each of You and give you the strength to endure this difficult time.
GOD BLESS,
Kelly Lance & Family
January 16, 2011
Mr.& Mrs. Kotula,
We wish to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family for your loss.
Two years ago our friends lost their son in a similar car accident. He also was a culinary arts student.
May our Lord Bless and Comfort you during this most difficult time.
The Newman Family
January 16, 2011
Mr. & Mrs. Kotula,
I'm sorry to hear about James. While I didn't know him, I did know your other son when he was at Bishop Hannan High School. My thoughts go out to your entire family at this time.
Christine Royce (Newburg, PA)
Martin and Debbie Sher
January 16, 2011
John and Kathy: We are so very sorry. May God be with all of you. We keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Bernice Markowski
January 16, 2011
Dear John, Kathy and family, Please accept my deepest condolences and may God bless you and help you through this difficult time.
January 16, 2011
John and Kathy Paul,Katie ,Sarah,and Myself
Thank you for being our friends, You and John were role models for Paul and I as parents. We loved being around you and the boys, there were
always jokes and fun times. You really changed our life's.
Our hearts are fill with sadness, Our prays are with you.
We Love You
Marianne, Paul, Katie and Sarah Marchelitis
Nicky Hicks
January 16, 2011
John,although no words can really help to ease the loss you and your family bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer.I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. May Jamie's memory be eternal..
Kathleen McKenna
January 16, 2011
Our sincerest condolences on the passing of James. Our thoughts are prayers are with you.
Wendy Keystone-Mir
January 16, 2011
Dearest John and Family, my heart breaks for your loss. My husband Nelson and my sons will be praying for you and your family. Its been years that we've seen each other, but to me it was like yesterday. God grant you all strength as you deal with this tragedy. Much love,
Susan Bonin
January 15, 2011
Jamie was a kind, funny young man that I regrettably only knew for a short time. His passing is a great loss. May your memories of Jamie help you to hold him in your heart always.
Father Paul Wolensky, Saint Vladimir Church
January 15, 2011
To Jamie's Family, Our compassion and prayers to help support you during this unexpected and terrible tragedy. Several of our parishioners were school mates of Jamie, and through their loss we are grieving together with you. May God, to Whom we are all precious, embrace Jamie and welcome him into the joy of eternal life in Heaven. While his body has died, his soul lives on and shines brightly in Divine love. That is God's way. May the beautiful memories you have of Jamie, along with the love and prayers of so many, comfort you and restore you. May Jamie's memory be eternal!
January 15, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with Jamie and his family and friends. Special prayers to the community at Holy Cross. May God bless you all. Rev. Andrew Kurovsky, St. Rita Parish, Gouldsboro, Pa.
Rick Byron
January 15, 2011
John and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Remembering your brother hangin out with us years ago after the semi staying at your house. Didnt know him well but from reading he sounds like he was just like you and Jeff, smart, kind and just a great kid. Keeping you all in my heart. Love ya
January 15, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My Jamie rest in peace and know he will always be in his friends hearts and with the Lord. God Bless. Karen Scranton,Pa
Chris Tansits and Nicole Dubiac
January 15, 2011
Such pain, shock and sorrow. God bless all of you.
January 15, 2011
There are no words that can describe my hearthfelt sympathy to my dear nephew John, Kathy,John, Jeffrey on the tragic untimely death of their beloved, son, and brother, Jamie.
I love you all, Auntie Lee
January 15, 2011
John, Kathy, John, Jeffrey and Mary,
As you walk through this valley, may it be a comfort to you to know that others are praying for you. I only saw Jammie once in church, but feel that I know him well through his grandmother - Mary. With deepest sympathy, Ellen Cwynar
Kristen Mayer
January 15, 2011
John, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how close you and Jamie were. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Lynne Kile & Family
January 15, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are for your family.
Sylvio & Cookie Mele
January 15, 2011
John, Kathy & family We are very sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our Thoughts & prayers.
The Otway Family
January 15, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you find strenght and comfort thru this difficult time.
God Bless each of you!
Sarai McAndrew
January 15, 2011
John and Kathy, Jamie was a wonderful young man. I can't begin to express my sorrow for your loss. May his memory be eternal and his spirit be on the right hand of the Father. My prayers are with you.
Kelly Lutkiewicz
January 15, 2011
John,Kathy and Jeff,
Words cannot express the depth of my sympathy for your loss. My prayers and condolences to all of you.
Tom Kanavy & Family
January 15, 2011
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you.
Matt Gromala
January 15, 2011
Jamie, i'm gonna miss u. Mr. & Mrs. Kotula, words cannot express my grief right now, but i know it cannot even be compared to yours. All i can do is offer my condolences n just relive my memories of St. Stan's n being lucky enough to have had your son as a friend.
Mark Neeb
January 15, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you all. May God comfort you during this time of sadness.
Mark and Amy Neeb
Karen Borc
January 15, 2011
We are deeply sorrow for your loss and our prayers are with you and the family.
Arnold Borc And Daughter Karen
Carrie Ruschak
January 15, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. A parent should never have to loose a child. You and your family are in our prayers.
Maria (Brown) Gething
January 15, 2011
To the Kotula Family: I am so sorry for your loss. I wish there was something I could say or do to ease your pain. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you.
Steph Kotula
January 15, 2011
Love you cousin, forever and always Jamie<3
Jack & Lori Williams
January 15, 2011
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time. We are deeply sorry for your loss and are here for you and your family.
Monica Royce
January 15, 2011
John,Kathy & family
Jamie will be missed dearly by all family & friends. He has touched the hearts of many people and some he may not know. He brought love & laughter to many. May he rest in peace and keep watch over all of you.
Love, Monica Royce & Family
Jerome Maida
January 15, 2011
"I will always remember Jamie as a kind, intelligent young man who wouldn't harm a soul and did nothing but contribute to society. This is a mind-boggling tragedy. I would say to all his family and friends - especially John, Kathy, John, and Jeffrey - is that we were truly blessed these 16 years he was with us and it would have been an even greater tragedy if he was never part of our lives. My best wishes and prayers to all of you." - Jerome Maida (Carbondale, PA)
Richardson Family
January 15, 2011
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Ann Marie Graff
January 15, 2011
Kathy, John, and family,
My heart breaks for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I know that your faith, family and friends will help to give you strength in this difficult time.
Ann Marie and Dave Graff
Carla Frutchey
January 15, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Christine Koytek
January 15, 2011
Thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find strength and comfort from love from God, family and friends.
Michelle
January 15, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing he will always be with you and will continue to bless the lives of others.
Alan Vitcavage
January 15, 2011
Brother John, Kathy and family: Each of you is in my thoughts and prayers at this tragic time. I know that with each other and your many dear and loving friends, you will endure this very difficult time. God bless each of you.
Dana, Gerry, Ashley & Emily Davis
January 15, 2011
John, Kathy, John, Jeffrey and Aunt Mary....sending our thoughts and prayers to you in this time of sorrow..
January 15, 2011
John and Kathy: I wish to extend my condolences to you and to your family. I can not immagine the pain you must be going through at this tme. Thank God for the time that you have had with James for he will be in your hearts forever. Praise God for your wonderful son and what he had accomplised in life at such an early age. May God give you and you family strength at this time in your lives.
Bill Baldauff
Bert James
January 15, 2011
Slick and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, at this trying time. God bless you all!
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