COL James R. "Ret" Jagielski

COL (Ret) James R. Jagielski, 85, of Springfield, VA, passed away on August 24, 2025 surrounded by his family. Known as Jim to all he met, he is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Judith (Judy) Denny of New Albany, IN, and their three children and spouses: Jenifer and her husband Peter Brown, Jeffrey and his wife Caroline (Mauro) Jacobs, and Jonathan and his wife Kristan Jagielski. He had six grandchildren - Michael, Matthew, Alexandra, Jenna, Andrew, and Sarah. He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Regina, and his brother Gilbert and sister Dolores. His sister Jan resides in Minnesota.

Jim grew up in St Cloud, MN and graduated from St. Johns University in Collegeville, MN in 1962. As a graduate of the Army ROTC program, he went on to proudly serve in the United States Army for 28 years and retired at the rank of Colonel. His service included two combat tours in Vietnam and assignments around the world. Some of his awards included the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters, and two Air Medals. Following his retirement from active duty in 1990, he continued his service to the country as a Department of the Army civilian at the Army Management Staff College at Fort Belvoir, VA for another 17 years. His lifelong commitment to the military and service to his country was marked by honor, dedication, and a deep sense of responsibility, values that he instilled in his family and shared with his friends throughout the course of his life.

During their years together, Jim and Judy shared a love of travel, exploring the world side by side and creating lasting memories across continents. Their adventures were a reflection of their enduring partnership and shared curiosity and respect about the world. Throughout their lives, they developed long lasting friendships across the globe and used their travel time to explore these many cultures and visit their friends in their home countries.

Jim was a man of faith and a longtime member of Nativity Catholic Church in Burke, Virginia. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. His values of service, humility, and devotion to family were deeply rooted in that faith.

Above all, Jim was a loving husband and father, whose steady presence and gentle spirit touched all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the countless lives he impacted through his life of service. Donations in memoriam can be made to the Knights of Columbus Father Sikora Chapter 7992 through Nativity Church. (Nativity Online Giving-Other Donations) May Christ welcome Jim into his arms.

The burial for Jim will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.