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James Trocki Obituary
Born March 2, 1943 in Erie, PA to Felix and Virginia Trocki, passed away October 9, 2016. He graduated from Cathedral Prep High School in 1961, Gannon College in 1967, and received his Masters in Education (Counseling) from Penn State in 1968. He moved to Phoenix in 1970 and never looked back ("you never have to shovel sun"). After meeting his wife, Joan Kelchner, M.D., in 1982 while hot air ballooning, they moved into the Roosevelt Historic District in downtown Phoenix where they have continued to work on their 1920 bungalow. Jim was a licensed, certified counselor and held a number of positions in counseling and training over the years, including jobs with the Maricopa Skill Center, the State Compensation Fund and Triple R. He also served on numerous civic boards and commissions, including Roosevelt Action Association and Central City Village Planning Commission. He and Joan loved to travel and have memories of many wonderful adventures. He is survived by Joan, his siblings in Erie, Michael Trocki (Grace) and Barbara Cullen, as well as nieces (Sharon, Michelle), nephews (Rob, Matt and Jim), grand niece and nephew, and numerous cousins. He is also survived by loving in-laws, Burton and Ann Kelchner, Eileen Gardner (Kerry), and Lissa Kelchner (Bunker Skinkle), as well as niece (Courtney) and nephews (Nate and Karl). A memorial will be held at a later time and will be announced. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of the Valley (Phoenix) or the American Red Cross.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Trocki
Karen Artus
October 5, 2019
I think of Jim often especially when traveling. When doing out of town seminars for SCF, he would find unusual places to eat such as in the back of a bowling alley in Lake Havasu where there was a great French restaurant. He is still much missed.
October 20, 2016
Joan and family...sorry for your loss. Remembering fun times with Jim and his dad having Sunday breakfast at the Beach on Presque Isle Erie, Pa. in the 1960's. Rest in peace Jim.
Karen Taggart Artus
October 19, 2016
I worked with Jim at SCF and have many happy memories of him and Joan. He was a great friend and a true gentleman. My thoughts and prayers go out to Joan, her family and Jim's.
October 17, 2016
My best friend.
Richard
Cari West-Brauer
October 16, 2016
I am so very sorry for your loss, Jim was one of a kind. I had the honor of working with him at the Maricopa Skill Center when it was on Wood Street. The students and staff enjoyed his humor and compassion that he had for all.
Tyler
October 14, 2016
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. God is the hearer of all prayers. May the God of comfort bring your family peace and calmness in your time of grief.
October 13, 2016
Joan and family,
May you hold all your memories of Jim dear. Kind man.
Mark and Lois FRANCIS
Roosevelt Neighborhood
Our big brother always
Mike Trocki
October 12, 2016
Paula Beebe Novak Koroso
October 12, 2016
To Jim's family,
Jim and I were co-workers at SCF. I am so saddened by this news. Jim was such a good friend! I remember some very fun times with him in the early 80's! I thought of him often. May he Rest In Peace.
Love, Paula Beebe Novak Koroso
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