James G. Pasek, of Lancaster, New York, passed away on December 29, 2025, at the age of 62. Born on July 6, 1963, in Buffalo, New York, James lived a life marked by dedication to his family, devotion to his Catholic faith, community service, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
James was a beloved husband to Julie E. (née Kazmark), and a devoted father to Stephen R. (Elise) and Andrew J. (Mackela) Pasek. His love for family extended deeply to his siblings: Joseph (Christine), Anthony (Alma), Thomas (Lana), and Edward (AnnMarie) Pasek; and to his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Elaine Gilbert-Snowden (Charles Snowden), Colleen Kazmark, and Abby Kazmark. He was a proud uncle to Matthew, Bernadette, Kenneth, Laura (Mark) Reiff, Raymond (Johanna) Pasek, Tracey (Paul) Nikolich, Melanie (David) Ackerman, Erin Gilbert-McCurry (Tobias McCurry), Ian (Wendy) Gilbert; and leaves behind many great-nieces and nephews. He was also a cherished son-in-law to Thomas H. and Carol Kazmark. He was preceded in death by his parents Bruno and Agnes (Mitruk) Pasek; his aunt Emily Pasek; and uncle Richard Mitruk.
James graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1981 from Emerson High School in Buffalo. He went on to pursue his passion for culinary arts at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. There he earned his certification as a Sous Chef as part of the Class of 1983.
James began his professional journey working in several restaurants throughout Buffalo before transitioning into a successful career in sales. In 1989, he joined Maple Leaf Foods where he remained a valued member of the team until 2014 due to health issues.
James had a lifelong love for learning and exploration that he shared with his family through travels to historical landmarks, science museums, botanical gardens, and national parks across the country. His enthusiasm for discovery was matched by his commitment to youth development through Scouting.
A dedicated volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America Troop 618 in Elma, New York, James served as Committee Chair and was affectionately known as the Trail's End Popcorn "Kernel" during the Greater Niagara Frontier Council's annual fundraiser. He also served as a Merit Badge Counselor for hiking, biking, gardening, salesmanship, and cooking—roles that allowed him to mentor many young scouts over the years.
His faith played an important role throughout his life. A former member of St. Gabriel Roman Catholic Church in Elma, James contributed actively to parish life by assisting with both the Buffalo Diocese Stewardship in Faith campaign and St. Gabriel's renovation fundraiser. He was also involved with the National Catholic Committee on Scouting as a religious emblems counselor.
James G. Pasek will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to family, steadfast service to others through Scouting, church involvement, and his professional, friendly salesmanship.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jim Pasek to Greater Niagara Frontier Council, BSA.
James was a beloved husband to Julie E. (née Kazmark), and a devoted father to Stephen R. (Elise) and Andrew J. (Mackela) Pasek. His love for family extended deeply to his siblings: Joseph (Christine), Anthony (Alma), Thomas (Lana), and Edward (AnnMarie) Pasek; and to his brothers- and sisters-in-law: Elaine Gilbert-Snowden (Charles Snowden), Colleen Kazmark, and Abby Kazmark. He was a proud uncle to Matthew, Bernadette, Kenneth, Laura (Mark) Reiff, Raymond (Johanna) Pasek, Tracey (Paul) Nikolich, Melanie (David) Ackerman, Erin Gilbert-McCurry (Tobias McCurry), Ian (Wendy) Gilbert; and leaves behind many great-nieces and nephews. He was also a cherished son-in-law to Thomas H. and Carol Kazmark. He was preceded in death by his parents Bruno and Agnes (Mitruk) Pasek; his aunt Emily Pasek; and uncle Richard Mitruk.
James graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1981 from Emerson High School in Buffalo. He went on to pursue his passion for culinary arts at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. There he earned his certification as a Sous Chef as part of the Class of 1983.
James began his professional journey working in several restaurants throughout Buffalo before transitioning into a successful career in sales. In 1989, he joined Maple Leaf Foods where he remained a valued member of the team until 2014 due to health issues.
James had a lifelong love for learning and exploration that he shared with his family through travels to historical landmarks, science museums, botanical gardens, and national parks across the country. His enthusiasm for discovery was matched by his commitment to youth development through Scouting.
A dedicated volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America Troop 618 in Elma, New York, James served as Committee Chair and was affectionately known as the Trail's End Popcorn "Kernel" during the Greater Niagara Frontier Council's annual fundraiser. He also served as a Merit Badge Counselor for hiking, biking, gardening, salesmanship, and cooking—roles that allowed him to mentor many young scouts over the years.
His faith played an important role throughout his life. A former member of St. Gabriel Roman Catholic Church in Elma, James contributed actively to parish life by assisting with both the Buffalo Diocese Stewardship in Faith campaign and St. Gabriel's renovation fundraiser. He was also involved with the National Catholic Committee on Scouting as a religious emblems counselor.
James G. Pasek will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to family, steadfast service to others through Scouting, church involvement, and his professional, friendly salesmanship.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jim Pasek to Greater Niagara Frontier Council, BSA.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Pasek, please visit our flower store.
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