James Kovarik Jr.

Jim passed away peacefully on June 21st, 2010 surrounded by his loving family. Born July 8th, 1928, in the coal mining town of Bradley, Ohio. He was predeceased by his parents, Mary and James Kovarik and his beloved wife of 52 years, Pat. After graduating from high school, Jim joined the Army and served in California and Adak, Alaska doing engineering and surveying work. After finishing his tour of duty in Alaska, he was sent to the Presidio in San Francisco. While on a blind date, arranged by a friend, he met his future wife, Pat Stahl. They were married on August 1st, 1953, and after living in San Francisco for ten years, Jim's dream of buying a home came true when he moved his family north to Novato. Jim worked for many years in a profession he truly loved as a body and fender man in San Francisco and Marin. He then went to work for State Farm as an auto insurance adjuster and retired in 1983. Jim had a passion for life and enjoyed hunting, fishing and bowling in a Thursday night Terra Marin Men's league with his sons. He was also a member of St. Paul's Men's Club, the Knights of Columbus, and the ICF at Our Lady of Loretto, where he was a parishioner for over 40 years. In 2006, after Pat's death, Jim sold his home in Novato and moved to Oak View in Rohnert Park. It was here that Jim rediscovered his talent for painting with watercolors. He attended many dances and social events at his new home with his cherished companion, Alice Williams. He especially loved Karaoke night and entertained his friends with his beautiful voice. Jim is survived by his four children, Cathy Palombino (Ron), Richard Kovarik (Sue), Joanne Kovarik, and Jim Kovarik (Cindy). He was a beloved grandfather to Shannon Howard-Bisordi (Mark), Nicole Palombino, Ryan, Matthew, Nicholas and Alyssa Kovarik; and two great grandchildren. He is also survived by his three siblings, Dorothy Matwich (Ray), Jennie Alden, Larry Kovarik (Ruth) all of Ohio; his sister-in-law Barbara Gilbride; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was loved by many and he loved freely in return. There is no greater legacy that he could have left us and he will be greatly missed. Soar with the angels, Dad, and know that you could not have been more loved. The family requests donations made to Memorial Hospice of Santa Rosa 821 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95401. Family and friends are invited to a visitation today, Wednesday, June 23 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at Adobe Creek Funeral Home 331 Lakeville St., Petaluma, CA. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday, June 24 at 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church 1806 Novato Blvd., Novato, CA. Interment will follow at Valley Memorial Park, Novato, CA. Online condolences may be made at www.adobecreekfuneralhome.com CHEDA & LYONS - DIRECTORS 707-789-9000