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James Piaskowski Obituary

James John Piaskowski, 49, known to many friends as "J.P.," died April 29, 2009, at home in his sleep. The memorial gathering will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. today at Kehl's Legacy Funeral Home, 11621 Old Seward Highway. He was born Oct. 13, 1959, to Ted and Mary Piaskowski and raised in Anchorage. He worked for Carrs, Laidlaw as a driver and later trainer, Matanuska Maid until its closing and now at ASAG as a cement truck driver. He enjoyed driving anything with wheels and a steering wheel. He was a really good man and never too busy to help anyone who asked. His whole world revolved around his children and extended family. They were why he lived: his son, Theodore "T.J."; and his daughters, Rhea and Christina and Christina's husband, Dion Gantt. He is also survived by his mother, Mary; brothers and sisters-in-law, George and Carol, Tom and Carolyn, and Dennis; sister, Kathryn; numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins; two former wives, Debbie Hartung and Melinda Piaskowski; and countless friends of his children whom he helped when they were in need of a safe place to stay. He was preceded in death by his father, Ted; and brother, Patrick. He will be remembered as a loving and generous soul and is greatly missed.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News from May 5 to May 6, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for James Piaskowski

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Michael Hanzuk

May 11, 2009

Mom and family, we are very sorry to hear of the passing of Jimmy, we send our love. We may not stay in-touch as often as we should; we may not always call to say hello, just know, memories of growing up with the family will always last forever. God decided it was time for Jimmy to join Dad and brother; we will miss them in this life, we will all be with them again.

From our family to your's,

God Bless,

Debra Hanzuk-Brown

May 11, 2009

Wow! To All of the Piaskowski's, my prayers and thoughts are with you! I'm so very sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. The Piaskowski name has been with myself and brother Mike since the early 70's. Jimmy and the rest of the Piaskowski brothers have always kept us laughing. My brother Mike, myself and ALL of those whose lives Jimmy and the rest of the Piaskowski family have touched will forever remember you. We have MANY, MANY fond memories of growing up with Jim, Pat, Dennis & Tom. Praise God for the His gift of Memories! Again, I'm so very sorry to hear of Jim's passing and I pray that God be with each one of you, heal your hearts and give you the comfort that only HE can give while going through such a great loss. Jimmy, you will not be forgotten!

Carolyn Roy

May 10, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss he was a really good person i worked with him as a bus driver and he later talked me into becoming a trainer so i owe him quite alot. He well be missed.

Howard Shanks

May 7, 2009

My deepest Sympathy for your family, Having Worked With JP through out the Carr's Era and Dennis, and The entire family
I was in shock , as all his friends. I remembered working with your dad as well. We had fun loving times.
My heart goes out to your family.

Darcy Jack

May 6, 2009

Oh, dear ones, my heart breaks for you as you navigate this awful reality, the loss of Jimmy; your son, brother, and father. I think of myself as a part of your extended family and treasure my memories of my summer in Anchorage, and my visits with you on your trips to Tucson. You welcomed me into your family and now I share in your sorrow at Jimmy's passing. Bonnie and I are sending all our love and prayers for each of you in this sad time.

Ray & Shari Bays

May 6, 2009

We are so sorry to hear of JP's untimely death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We have many fond memories of JP and the kids. Ray worked with JP at Laidlaw for many years and we also bowled together. We had alot of good times in Seward fishing and partying. He was a true friend and a wonderful father. Sincerely, Ray & Shari Bays, formerly of Anchorage.

Linda Travers-Inglima

May 6, 2009

I met Jimmy John and family spring of 1969 after our family moved off Elmendorf AFB to Old Muldoon Road. I will always remember the sawed-off top van (Dennis' I think) that we would have such a blast four-wheelin behind the now Totem Theatre's when there were no homes back then. We'd spend hours building our co-ed fort on Strawberry Hill (we called it that), restructuring a school bus for a fort, as well as spending days upon days playing football in the Bilikin Drive-In theatre's front fenced yard. Jimmy John and I were an item from 3rd to 6th grade, where we went together and broke up numerous times ~ but still remained friends.

I will always have many good thoughts and memories of the times our families spent playing together, exploring and adventures we all shared together.

Jimmy John, I love you. And now you are home with your dad and Pat.

My constant prayers are with you and your family at this time.

God Bless.

Karen and Lee Hogg

May 6, 2009

To Kathy and the Piaskowski family--thinking of you during this difficult time--although we only know Kathy personally, our families share a lot of similarities and I know James will leave a void--take care of each other. God bless.

cheryl

May 5, 2009

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. JP was a really good man and father. I knew him as a bus driver and later as a bowling team mate. He will be missed deeply.

Linda Piaskowski/Walline

May 5, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Kris Mueller

May 5, 2009

Jimmy was my friend growing up and later Bus Driving Supervisor,and still friend. It was fun hanging out at his house playing pool. I remember we were going to fight and went outside threw a few blows (missed) and went back inside to play pool some more. Friends again. We both got older and kidded each other about those days. I'm sad to hear of his passing and I know many loved and will miss him. Kris R. "Motorcoach Commander" Mueller & Family

Lili Wentworth

May 5, 2009

This is for Rhea,
I did'nt really know how else to get ahold of you. I don't think the phone number we have for you is correct anymore and I don't have an email address or street address to get ahold of you privately.
I'm sorry for the loss of your dad. I hope that you are coping okay. Please tell your mom that I said hi and sorry for the loss as well. If you want to talk about it, you can email me, [email protected]. Just remember that I'm thinking of you and I know what you're going through.
Love,
Lili

May 5, 2009

May 5,2009 We were sorry to hear about james death. i worked with with his father at the carrs onl gambell st. Rihard, Sherry and katie Rutherford

Brenda Curtis

May 5, 2009

My prayers are for your family as you cope with so great a loss. Death was never meant to be.(Gen. 2:17) May the God of all comfort, give you peace.

Linda Meade

May 5, 2009

so sorry to hear of his passing. I went to school with his mom. We all lived in Nunaka Valley. I lost my youngest son almost 5 years ago to leukemia. Keep your chin up.

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