JAMES MICHALINA Obituary

MICHALINA, JAMES R. "JIMMY" June 23, 1951 to Nov. 15, 2012 Jimmy passed away on the morning of November 15th from pancreatic cancer. He fought the good fight. His wife, Liz, was at his side. He was born and raised in Rome, New York. He enlisted in the Army in 1969 and served in the Vietnam War as a door-gunner on a Huey Helicopter. Jimmy was extremely proud of his military service and was a proud Veteran for 40 years. After getting out of the Army, Jimmy moved to San Diego. He worked at BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair (formerly Southwest Marine) for 28 years. He started out as pipe welder and held multiple other positions, the last two being Senior Lead Ship Supt. and Senior Subcontracts Administrator. He was well respected and very highly regarded by everyone on the entire San Diego waterfront. Jimmy married the love of his life, Liz Lemke, on November 14, 1987, and they just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. He was a wonderful husband, a great friend and loved to ride his Harley (Big Blue). He truly was one of the good guys. He will be fondly remembered and sorely missed by so many. Jimmy is survived by his wife Liz, sister Joanne Marsh of Cicero, NY, sister Cookie Izzo of Rome, NY, brother Joe Michalina of Creedmoor, NC, son James Michalina Jr. of Kennewick, WA, daughter Dianna Pankey of Riverside, CA, nieces, nephews and countless friends. A memorial celebration of Jimmy's life will be held at a later date.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Nov. 25, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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My Uncle JImmy was always so nice, funny and kind. My mom adored her youngest brother, Jimmy. We miss him so much. Uncle Jimmy will always have a special place in our hearts forever!

November 27, 2020

It's not hard to remember a good friend and former co-worker. He on the contractor's side and I on the governments. It didn't matter. Common backgrounds and professionalism were our link... Blessings to his all his family.

Tony Boccio

Coworker

November 19, 2020

Liz, I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you. your love story was so sweet. Would love to connect with you sometime.

Susan Anderson

December 23, 2012

To the entire Michalina Family: Jimmy and I worked different sides of ship repair. He on the contractor side and I on the government. In all the years I have worked ship repair, Jimmy was by far the most knowledgeable and respected. He and I spent many a day working side by side crawling around engine rooms and in places that couldn't be described. I had come to truly accept that this man was indeed one of a kind. His honesty, integrity and professionalism went beyond the everyday routine. He will be missed not only for those wonderful attributes but for the genuine smile and respect he gave me every time we met. My prayers go to all of the family: From a former Cruiser Code Shipbuilding Specialist.

Tony Boccio

December 2, 2012

There are no words that can comfort and none to capture the incredible spirit Jimmy brought to everyone that met him. Incredibly talented, kind and generous, the entire community will miss him. His light lit up a room, his joy for life was infectious. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Trish Watlington

December 2, 2012

Dear Liz
Chelsea and I are so sorry for your loss. I know this time has been so difficult for you. I admire the strength you have shown. Jimmy was a good man. You will be in my thoughts. Take care.
Laurie

Laurie Vexland

December 1, 2012

Dearest Liz, my condolences to you and your family. You have been such a strong women through Jummys illness. I truly believe you have a VERY SPECIAL ANGEL that will always be watching over you! Rest in peace Jimmy.

Terry Macky

December 1, 2012

Charming Jimmy will be missed by more of us than one can count! I think I only spent one afternoon/ evening with Jimmy and Liz at a party at Vicki's but I remember laughing laughing laughing! I remember his good spirit was infectious, and I felt instant comfort and good karma. I know how much Kat and Vicki love Jimmy and Liz, and we all love Jimmy's horseshoe art and horsie name plates! Know that though he no longer walks among us, he is now in the place where all is love... And love is forever! Liz, you are surrounded by love, and your sister/friends Vicki, Denise and all will keep you safe and whole and sane as you move thru the grief of your loss. Love to all, Bebe ( Vicki's sister)

December 1, 2012

Forever in our hearts you will be, Jimmy!

Katrina

December 1, 2012

Jimmy! You will NEVER be forgotten, you lit up a room with your twinkling blue eyes, that smiled even when you weren't (which was rare!) You always made me laugh, unless you were giving me serious essential life advice, which has been taken, acted upon, and is MUCH appreciated!!!!
You were an amazing human being Jimmy! You were strong, smart, and could fix or make anything from blanket racks for our horse's blankets to beautiful art from horseshoes! You and Liz would banter which always made me laugh too. I can't imagine not seeing you when I come home in a few weeks...which makes me think of the wonderful holidays we spent at the Michalina house. I have memories of several wonderfully fun thanksgivings & fourth of julys we spent on the back porch. These memories will be cherished forever! I am so grateful to have had you in my life! You are supporting evidence that only the good and charming die young!!! I love you and miss you Jimmy!

Katrina Fedorka

December 1, 2012

Jimmy has left many memories for all of us. We all have things he's made for us, horse nameplates, benches, metalwork, and we'll think of him every time we see these things. He'll always be with us. Much love to Liz from HFF

Katy & Mike

November 30, 2012

Jimmy, I never got the opportunity to meet you but knowing what you were going through had to be very painful. My thoughts & prayers are with you, Liz and your family. I will also watch over Liz along with Denise.

Christi Bevan

November 29, 2012

Jimmy, I was lucky to know you through your wonderful Liz. Thanks for having me to dinner and showing us the steelworks in the garage. You'll be missed. Liz, my thoughts are with you during this time. Love, Jenny

Jenny Minniti

November 29, 2012

Oh our Charmin' Jimmy! You were always the life of the party. I was honored to know and love you. We will do our best to keep the party going in your honor. Words can not do justice to how much you influenced me and my children! We love you Charmin' Jimmy!

Vicki, Kat and Erich Fedorka

November 29, 2012

Charming Jim --- you will be greatly missed. (Typed one sentence and already teary-eyed -- DAMMIT). You had a good ride and fought a valiant battle. We'll take care of your Liz for you. Sleep well. Lots of love -- Allan, Denise, and family

Denise Fraser

November 29, 2012

Pretty much one of the nicest guys you would ever want to know!!

November 29, 2012

Liz, our sincere condolences to you and all of your family. I know that Jimmy is missed by many. Your mom has talked about him so often with such loving words.

Your parents' friends, Becky and Seth

Becky and Seth Kaufman

November 29, 2012

Liz, I'm so very sorry for your loss. Jimmy was my best friend. I don't know what I'm going to do without him busting my chops all of the time! I'm going to miss going to the swap meet and trying to one up each other. My best memory of you my friend will always be our bike trip to Sturgis in "06"! What a time we had! Remember those three buffaloes that almost got you and Big Blue? The look on your face was priceless. Big Daddy and I will never forget you! THE THREE AMIGOS FOREVER! See you on the other side Buddy.

Bobby McGee

November 28, 2012

Condolences to Liz and family.Jimmy was a great guy,a good friend and an uplifting spirit.We will all miss and remember you bro.

mel friedman

November 27, 2012

Our Prayers to Liz and The Michalina Family. "GOOD JIMMY","BAD JIMMY" a DEAR friend to all that knew him, will be missed GREATLY!! Love Joe and Laurie

November 27, 2012

Wacker 2 this is wacker 4........... miss you my friend..... you have crossed the "Hero's Highway"... bless you buddy

November 26, 2012

A great friend and good man. My fellow Vet always had a laugh when we'd BS about Nam; him riding, me walking. God Bless I'll miss him alot. Peace Brother.

Rich Buchmann

November 26, 2012

My boy in up there riding Big Blue. Smoke one for me buddy and I'll light one up for you. RIP Jimmy The best of the best.

dwight thurman

November 26, 2012

Jimmy, AKA "Biker". I will always remember the laughs we had a the job site. Good times my friend !! my thoughts and prayers go out to the family i know its not easy, Jimmy will be thought of every day. We see him every day when we enter our pipe shop and the boys send thier prayers...
La Pierre,R

Ronald La Pierre

November 26, 2012

Jimmy was the first person my husband, Rick Pankow, introduced me to from the waterfront. He was so kind and always had a great attitude. He will be missed very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. God Bless You All.
Jill Pankow

November 26, 2012

A great friend and fellow biker. He will be missed. My condolences to the family.

David Bond

November 26, 2012

Liz, Jimmy will always be in our hearts and memories. Jimmy's happy spirit and great laugh will always be with us. Eric, Lisa and I send our thoughts and prayers to you.
Karen

November 25, 2012

AuntLiz, You are in our hearts and prayers. Uncle Jimmy was a special person with a rare sense of humor that always put a smile on our faces. We will dearly miss him. Our Deepest Sympathy to you, Debbie,Roger,Sarah and Brittany and Joanne

Debbie Mercier

November 25, 2012

Liz, Danny and I are so sorry to hear of Jims passing. Danny always thought so much of him. You are in our prayers.
Danny, and Janie Ramer and Family

November 25, 2012

Jimmy... I remember when you bought the Palm Tree that was turned into a Christmas Tree at the OB VFW Post 1392... Thrift Store... I can still see you and my husband at the pool table at the VFW Post #1392 in OB... and that's how I will remember you ...Havin' a good time at the Post.

Shirlee James

November 25, 2012

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