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James Edward Kurkowski
1949 - 2013
James Edward Kurkowski
1949 - 2013
Obituary
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James Kurkowski Obituary
Born: Saturday, January 8, 1949
Died: Saturday, March 16, 2013
Jim Kurkowski, age 64, born in rural Downey, California, entered the presence of his Lord on Saturday, March 16, 2013, at his home in Cypress. He was born in Downey Community Hospital on Saturday morning, January 8, 1949, the son of Esther and Gerald Kurkowski. He attended Good Shepherd Lutheran School, South Junior High, and Downey High School, graduating in 1967. It was in his Downey public school days that he met his future wife, Maureen Herrmann, in history class. They dated throughout high school, and, with their parents' permission, were married June 28, 1968, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Eight months later Jim was drafted into the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington before deployment to Vietnam. He sustained multiple metal fragment wounds, seriously injuring him, resulting in a lengthy hospitalization from June 1970 until his honorable discharge in October 1970. He remained forever thankful to God for his healing which he attributed to people praying for him back home.
Jim's career path took him into gardening and landscape. He attended Mt. San Antonio College, receiving an Associate of Science degree in landscape design. He always struggled with the Latin names for plant material, but never forgot his favorites, like Albizia julibrissin and Washingtonia robusta. Years into his career, and by this time he was parks supervisor, he discovered he was dyslexic. Jim spent two years with a dyslexia specialist receiving tutoring especially designed to equip him to be a better reader and speller. Because of his own difficulties with reading and spelling, Jim became an active volunteer with Bethany Lutheran School Student Success Program.
Jim's career allowed him the opportunity to work for the cities of Los Angeles, Anaheim, Glendale, and finally Whittier, where he retired as director of parks in July 2010. Jim remained in contact with many of his fellow co-workers over the years, occasionally making time to meet for breakfast or lunch just because he was that kind of man.
After retirement, Jim served on the grounds committee for his community of Tanglewood North in Cypress and maintenance gardener caretaker of Friendship Square at Bethany Lutheran Church. He was also a very enthusiastic fan of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. He applied for the position of usher and began working there in 2011 and returned for what would be his final season in 2012.
Survivors include Jim's wife of 45 years, Maureen; daughters Mrs. Jason Smith (Kelly) of Arrowbear, CA, and Mrs. Trent Nelson (Holly) of Binghamton, NY; grandchildren Haylee Smith, Loren Smith, Russell Nelson, and Melanie Nelson; sister Mrs. Joann Davis of Temecula, CA, and sister-in-law Mrs. Karen Kurkowski of Anaheim, CA; and his many nieces and nephews. He loved his family with a huge heart.
Jim's legacy to family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers would be: 1) love the Lord Jesus with all of your heart, mind and soul; 2) husbands – take care of your wives and children by providing for them now and after you're gone; and finally, 3) SEE YOU IN HEAVEN!
Luyben Family Dilday-Mottell Mortuary (562) 425-6401 www.luybenfamilyd-m.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mary Hatfield
March 13, 2019
We miss you so much. You've done so mamy important things, but I keep remembering you walking down the driveway on Brookshire, wearing snorkel flippers and carrying your gear. You made the kids laugh so hard on the backyard plastic round play pool, and pushing Kelly and Christy through Busch gardens having a great time. We continue to love your wonderful wife, Maureen and you chrildren, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. This is your legacy. God, love and laughter!
Diana (Grose) Tomlin
February 24, 2014
Jim and Maureen graciously cared for my siblings and I on multiple occasions. We LOVED when Jim sang about being a "little acorn man" ie. "a nut!" However, as a Christ-loving "nut" Jim shared the love of Jesus with us with kindness and humility. I feel honored that I got to be under his supervision as a child and to this day his influence reminds me that being a Christian is not all seriousness, but there is much joy, fun and laughter in serving The Lord.
Anna McDaniel
March 27, 2013
This is my favorite picture of the dinner club... It was taken right after we ate at Schooner or Later!
Even before the dinner club was created, we enjoyed making dinner with Maureen before Papa would come home from work... two of my favorite meals we made for Papa was Linguini and Clams and the "Olympics" themed dinner.
I will miss our weekly dinner dates with Papa Jim, but I am looking forward to our next date with Maureen... I know Papa Jim wouldn't want us to stop trying new places just because he can't join us. Ladies, we might just have to stop at Dairy Queen afterwards... Papa could always go for some dessert, even if we were all full :)
Love you and miss you Papa Jim!
Bud Wellsandt
March 25, 2013
Maureen and Family: I was surprised to hear of Jim's passing, but it brought back only good memories of our youth together at Good Shepherd and Downey Sr Hi. I still remember how proud Jim was to get that flat-head Ford pickup and work in the "weed abatement" job in Downey. He was always such a character (clown) and gave everyone around a happy feeling. It was my loss to not keep in touch over the years. Take care and God bless and email me sometime when you can ([email protected]). Bud & JoAnn Wellsandt, Omaha, NE
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Trudy & Ray Walton
March 24, 2013
We knew Jim in high school and from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church back in the 60s. Jim was a character, someone you could never forget and what a great smile! We've been out of touch with Jim and Maureen since their wedding and when they remewed their vows. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Maureen. God Bless. Trudy McMillian Walton & Ray Walton
March 23, 2013
Maureen and Family,
Adeline and I are sorry to hear of jim's passing.We have only met you and Jim through our Son and wife Debbie. However,Jim's Mother was in a Bible Class I led at Good Shepard Church in Downey A nice lady to know.
May God Bless you all and give you comfort in this time of Mourning Our prayers are with you.
Sam and Adeline Mallett
Tim & Kathy Phelps
March 23, 2013
Jim always made working in Anaheim a positive experience with his wit and humor. He was a true friend to us "recreators". I did see Maureen and him walking once in a while after moving to Cypress. Our prayers are with you and your family, Maureen.
March 23, 2013
We grew up together at Good Shepherd, our parents and families were friends.
Gertie and I reconnected with Jim and Maureen at Bethany and enjoyed several years of Christian fellowship. Jim and Maureen will always be dear and valued friends and their family are now in our thoughts and prayers.
Dale and Gertie Falske ( Wetmore Colorado)
Eunice McKoy
March 23, 2013
Dear Kurkowski family, keep close & dear in your hearts God's promises he's made to Jim.How blessed is Jim to celebrate Easter Sunday at the feet of our Heavenly Father & his Son, Jesus. And what a privilege for Jim to have his feel washed by Jesus on Maudy Thursday. Remember these wonderful images when sadness occurs & you will feel comforted.
Loree Erpelding
March 23, 2013
Jim was the president of our homeowner's association. I was fortunate to serve on the board with him and learn his easy, "pull everyone together" management style. He was always very supportive of each one of us as individuals and as a whole, did a great job leading our board in the right direction.
We will miss him very much and send our deepest condolences to his family.
1982 Retreat
Russ & Janette Hoekman
March 23, 2013
Jim and I shared bits and pieces of our lives. He counseled Janette and me with Ed Grose to get our finances together with Larry Burkett materials. Janette and I watched him cook up hot dogs at the Bethany Couples Club Retreat in Big Bear in 1982. We went Hobson Beach camping with our families in 1983. Best of all was riding to and from BSF with Jim and Ed in the eighties. Our conversations in the car were, how shall I say, “Spirited.” Two years ago Jim and I were reunited in the new BSF study of Isaiah. We were in the same class! PTL! Jim's insightful and at times, humorous answers blessed all the men in the discussion group. Janette and I will miss you, Jim.
Russel Hoekman
Amy & Anna McDaniel
March 23, 2013
Dear Papa Jim,
Thank you...
For taking us on special trips.
For teaching us how to play shanghai.
For showing us how to garden.
For teaching us how to be passionate about something you love.
For showing us how a gentleman should act.
For teaching us what it means to humbly serve.
For helping to raise us.
For always encouraging and supporting us.
For providing us a home away from home.
For serving our country.
For being an example of how to make God the most important part of a
marriage and family.
For making us feel like a part of your family.
For forming "the dinner club."
For being our Papa and our friend.
For showing us how to love your spouse unconditionally.
For modeling how to pray.
For caring about us.
...and so much more.
But, thank you most of all for loving us. We love you, too!
You and Maureen have been such a blessing in our lives since the day
we were born, and we could never be more grateful.
There is a picture of "the dinner club" at Schooner or Later on our
dresser at school and whenever someone asks who is in the picture with
us, we always say, "they are our good friends, Maureen and Papa Jim...
We're like family."
We love you so much and we will certainly cherish all the memories we
have shared together, always smiling upon the remembrance of each one.
And in regards to Maureen... We all know she is so incredibly strong,
but we'll be here for her and we'll take care of her... we all will.
Love you, and until we meet again, singing praises with the angels in
the heavenly Kingdom, goodbye.
Pat & Linda Stacker
March 23, 2013
When we think of Jim, we think of his wonderful smile and loving spirit. We have known Jim and Maureen for so many years and look back on all the fun we had together at Couples Club events and serving on various boards together. One could always see how much Jim loved Jesus, as our Lord's love would shine in the way he lived his life. We pray that God will give Maureen, Kelly, Holly and all the family peace and joy until you are all together again.
With Love,
Pat and Linda Stacker
Gary Falske
March 23, 2013
Jim was one of my best friends through elementary & high school. You will be missed old friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Maureen and the family.
With Love, Gary & Kathy Falske
Florence Bunnett
March 23, 2013
The Bunnett Family will miss Jim's smile and his sharing of his faith, not just by his words, but by the way he lived his life. Jim was one of our grandson, Matt's, first Sunday School Teachers. We have been blest by knowing Jim and having him as a friend in Christ. PRAISE GOD! Jim is healed and in the arms of our loving Savior.
The Bunnett Families of Lakewood and Norwalk.
Greg & Janice Goebel
March 23, 2013
Thank you Jim for being a humble servant; we will miss your encouragement and smile.
Maureen, our prayers are with you and your family.
Mary Kay 'Esswein
March 22, 2013
Jim had a heart bigger than life and a sense of humor that sparked choir rehearsals, couples events and time together as friends. It's always been a joy to see the friendship he and Maureen shared as lifelong sweethearts and the twinkle in his eye for his daughters Kelly and Holly and grandchildren. Jim's vibrant life of trust and love for the Lord left footprints on our hearts and a faith-filled legacy for those who follow after him. We pray for God's comfort and strength for his family until they join the ANGELS around the throne of God in heaven for a glorious family reunion that will never end! Mary Kay and Dan Esswein
March 22, 2013
To the Kurkoski family,we send our love and sympathy. We got to know Jim at the Angel games and looked forward to seeing and talking with home at each game we attended. Jim always had a beautiful smile on his face. We all were blesses to have known Jim.
With our love and friendship
Rich and Linda Cherney
Kathy Eichert
March 22, 2013
Jim will always be remembered as a sweet, gentle, kind spirit who could always make you smile and feel lifted when he spent time with you. His love for Maureen, Kelly, Holly and all of his family and friends was obvious to all who knew him. I am grateful for any time I got to share with him. I love you Maureen and share in yours and your beautiful girl's and family's tremendous loss.
Todd De Voe
March 22, 2013
I was very lucky to have worked with Jim when I was a Parks Commissioner for the City of Whittier. He had a way to make the meetings fun and enjoyable, we did a lot of great work during those years, but it was the trust in Jim's judgement and work ethic that made making decisions on his projects easy. We will miss Jim.
Judy Richell
March 22, 2013
Jim you will be missed by so many people. It was so great to see you when we visited in Oct. of course you smiled at us that beautiful smile and shared a few words as you rushed off. You have left us all to soon but we know we will all be together soon in our heavenly home. Maureen and family may you feel our loving Father's arms lifting you up during this very difficult time. In Christ's love, Judy and Tony
David Beaver
March 22, 2013
There were so many times he brightened my sky like nobody else could. I am absolutely sure the Lord himself worked through Jim. A kind word, a scripture quote, and always that smile. I am proud to say you were my friend.
Diane Hubler
March 22, 2013
We shall all miss Jim. He had such an infectious smile and caring manner. His Bethany Choir Family will all miss him.
Richard Mallett
March 21, 2013
Maureen: Debbie and I have so appreciated the friendship that you and Jim have shown to us.You have both been a great support to us and we greatly enjoyed the times we've spent together even while being extraordinarily frugal. Jim was a great friend to me personally, probably the best friend I've had as an adult. He helped and advised me through tough times and continued to give me encouragement. It is a very great loss for me, but nothing compared to you and your families loss. I will truly miss him. Our thoughts, sympathies, and most of all our prayers to you and your family. We want you to know that we will continue to treasure you and your family in our hearts and look forward to your continuing friendship. We love you both.
March 21, 2013
Maureen and family,
We will all miss Jim. He always had a smile on his face (and being an alto in choir) I always had a ring side seat to see that smile!
Mary Ann Mlynar
March 21, 2013
Maureen and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Leroy and Nancy Miller, Brandon Mississippi
Douglas Morlok
March 21, 2013
Jim always had smile he had thought full coments at men bible study, I miss going to brakfast with him after he retired. my love to you in Christ <.
Cassie Grose
March 21, 2013
Wish I had known you better, but I've enjoyed hearing my parents talk about you and Maureen over the years and I still remember "meeting" you at my soccer game in CA. Looking forward to spending more time with you in Heaven.
-Your Goddaughter
Lou Wade
March 21, 2013
On Tuesday morning I would say hello to Jim in Friendship Square. He would tend his flowers outside and I would prepare the altar flowers and take to shut ins. We delivered flowers to Jim when he was home. Blessings and comfort to his family. Lou Wade
Richard Mayer
March 21, 2013
Jim was always a fun guy to be around. I will miss him. Richard Mayer
Bob McFall
March 21, 2013
I had the good fortune to meet Jim in the early 1980's, when we both became "founding fathers" of the Pacific Southwest Pacific Maintenance Management School. What a blessing [and blast!] it was to get to know this fine man and park professional. We spent many hours talking about community, family, friends and of course our Lord....and what a keen sense of humor! One never knew where the next prank might come from with Jim. Eventually Jim came to work for the City of Glendale as the Parks Administrator and brought with him his love of parks, plants and people. He soon captivated all the "blue haired gentry" of Glendale Beautiful with his charm! Jim's love of God was always close at hand...he was a long time participant in an employee based prayer group that regularly sought wisdom and direction for Glendale's leaders. In so many ways Jim left an indelible mark on the Glendale community...it's people and parks. Personally my life has been challenged and enriched in so many ways by Jim....I only wish I had told him more how I appreciated him. God bless you Jim...may you rest in the loving arms of Jesus in peace for all of eternity.
Vicki Hare - Dilley
March 21, 2013
First of all I want to give my condolences to Jim's family, but want you to remember you will see Jim again, which is such a blessing. Short story: About two yrs. ago I was scanning the Whittier Daily Newspaper for work (I work for City of Norwalk), and to my surprise I see this beautiful article about Jim Kurkowski retiring from the City of Whittier. Years ago I attended Good Shepherd Lutheran church with Jim and he made such an impression on me as a kid. He was 7 yrs. older than me. I sent Jim a Retirement congratulations note, and to my surprise he remembered me and my family and wrote back. Now today, at work I was asked to scan the paper again, and to my sadness I see the orbituary of Jim. As a young girl, I thought highly of Jim and he must have touched so many people. He has left such a wonderful legacy. He truly walked the walk and is walking with our Lord Jesus now.
Lori Lange
March 21, 2013
Jim had a wonderful smile which reflected his good and gracious heart. I admired the way he cherished his family and friends. I will miss stopping by to chat as he tended plants and flowers in Friendship Square.
DeLaura Kurkowski
March 21, 2013
Your sense of humor and quick wit was always a joy to be around! Love you Uncle Jim!
March 21, 2013
Will miss seeing his smiling face. Always such a willing servant..
Mary DelliQuadri
Tim Moore
March 21, 2013
Sorry we could not be there... Jim was a great example for us all to follow... He will always be loved and very missed... Tim and Melissa Moore
Donna Moyer
March 21, 2013
I agree that Jim was one of the nicest people I've ever met. He gave his full attention when speaking, never making you feel that he had something else to do. I will forever see him walking around Bethany on a Saturday, working the landscape with his big hat on his head. Most of all, I'll forever see him along side us in choir, singing praises to the Lord he loved so well. Jim, you are loved by so many, and we will miss you greatly.
Cheryl Stejskal
March 21, 2013
Jim was one of the nicest people I have ever met. He always had time to say hello, give you a smile and make you feel welcome. He will be missed. God's peace and love to Jim's family and to all who held him in their heart.
Bob Pratt
March 21, 2013
I can only imagine the conversations Jim and Gene Autry have already had about their beloved Angels. I miss you, my friend.
March 21, 2013
I love you & I miss you, Jimbo! Thank you for your love and friendship over the few short, precious years that we've been double dating with you and your sweet wife, Maureen. Your cherished friendship and crazy sense of humor has been such a blessing to me. I look forward to square dancing with you again, in the mansions of Heaven. You are sorely missed.
My continued prayers of peace & comfort being offered to my dear, sweet friend, Maureen, her daughter's Kelly & Holly, and to their entire family. May the Lord bring you comfort during this time of great sadness. I love you all so much.
In HIS grip,
Debbie Mallett
Kathy Tucker
March 21, 2013
I thank the Lord that I had the pleasure of knowing Jim and his loving family. You never had to wonder what Jim's priorities were - they were evident in his words and deeds - God, family and country. His giving heart welcomed all - whether it was your first time meeting him or you saw him daily. His and Maureen's high standards have made all of us better people. He is in God's loving arms and no doubt is at the forefront of welcoming others into Heaven. God Bless Jim and his very special family.
Mary & john Hatfield
March 21, 2013
Our friend for 42 years, sharing so many laughs & loving our kids..remembering family trips, chocolate cake, Jim and flippers, baseball glove, & football in the driveway lunches with Maureen, not enough time, but filled with love. Jim & Maureen...truly God's gift..shared so openly.. we will miss you
Ed Grose
March 21, 2013
It was an honor to have begun a Christian Financial Counseling ministry at Bethany after both Jim and Maureen and Janice and I began to set our own finances in order according to God's Word. I know Jim carried on the ministry for many years after we moved east in 1988. We were both delighted to have had the opportunity to help many become financially sound. Fortunately, Jim also stored up treasures in heaven where he may now enjoy them forever.
Pauline Meyer
March 21, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time.
Karen Fries
March 20, 2013
Jim was a coworker, friend and brother in the Lord. Praying for the Kurkowski family that the love of God enfolds you and brings you strength.
Charlene Mitchell
March 20, 2013
I will always remember Jim........he was my faithful Shepard when I first joined Bethany Lutheran Church and the many nice times we have had in the past. Whenever it was his turn for the sound at Church services I would turn around and look up at him and wave. I did so for the last time and pictured his smiling face and waved even tho he was not there I knew he saw me! He is in heaven with his Holly Father and is at peace! May God Bless his family with the strength that only our Lord and Savior can give.Sincerely, Charlene
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