James Paul Kostick

Deacon James (Jim) Paul Kostick (Koscielniak) peacefully entered eternal life on Friday, August 8, 2025, reuniting with the love of his life, Carol, and his Lord and Savior.

Born on January 25, 1935, in Minneapolis, MN, Jim was the youngest child of Francis and Florence Koscielniak. He graduated in 1952 from De La Salle High School, an all-boys Catholic school in Northeast Minneapolis. On October 24, 1953, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Carol. Together, they faithfully built a life rooted in love, welcoming seven children-one son and six daughters.

In 1971, following God's guidance and in search of a warmer climate for their family, Jim and Carol moved west to Escondido, California.

Jim worked professionally as a Quality Assurance Supervisor, beginning with Honeywell in Minneapolis, and later with Simpson Electric in Escondido. He eventually retired from Sub Sea Systems in San Marcos in the early 1990s.

A man of deep and abiding faith, Jim felt a call to serve the Lord more fully after the sudden passing of his uncle, Monsignor Paul Koscielniak, in 1980. Responding to this call, he began his diaconate studies at the University of San Diego in 1981 and was ordained a Deacon on May 25, 1985, at St. Patrick's Church in Carlsbad.

His ministry began at Resurrection Church in Escondido, where he humbly and joyfully served in countless ways: leading baptism and marriage preparation classes, Bible studies, charismatic prayer groups, Life in the Spirit seminars, jail ministry, healing Masses, and a men's fellowship group. In 2007, he joined St. Mary's Parish, where he continued his ministry and served the St. Vincent de Paul thrift store with the same humility and joy that defined his life.

Deacon Jim officiated at the weddings of four of his daughters, two granddaughters, several nieces, and many close friends. He also baptized numerous children, including ten of his grandchildren and two great-grandchildren-a testament to his deep connection to family and faith.

Jim's love for the Lord was beautifully mirrored in his love for his wife, Carol. Married for 70 years, they shared an extraordinary bond, lovingly expressed in the daily custom of wearing matching outfits handpicked by Carol. Together they traveled to Holland, the Holy Land, Hawaii, Virginia and to favorite getaways in Palm Springs and Northern California. They were faithful in their love, spending regular date nights at the movies and strengthening the spiritual foundation of their marriage through daily devotion.

Jim was a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who worked tirelessly to provide for and lead his family by example-anchored in faith, discipline, and love. He proudly upheld his Polish heritage and was a patriotic American, wearing a U.S. flag pin daily and expressing special pride in family members who served or are serving in the military.

After Carol's passing in 2024, Jim continued to embrace everything family. He attended weddings, sporting events, celebrations and informal gatherings. Just this past June, he cheered on the San Diego Padres with 22 family members-a moment of joy and unity that perfectly captured his love for family and life. In his final months, Jim was surrounded by the care and companionship of his children, who cherished hearing his reflections and wisdom.

Deacon Jim leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and service in his children: Jill Moyneur (Paul), Joyce Dotson (Don), Jim Jr. (Cathy), Jody Thayer (Bob), Julie Early (Joe), June Steffy (Dave), and Joelle Chiodini (Steve); 21 grandchildren; and 24 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Carol, his parents, his sister Eileen Kondziolka, and his brother Frank Kostick.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the St. Mary's Parish community for the love and support shown to Deacon Jim. He dearly loved his church family.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, September 5th, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Escondido, CA, preceded by a Rosary at 9:30 AM. Internment will be private.

As we say farewell to this faithful servant of God, may we find comfort in knowing that he now rests in the eternal embrace of our Heavenly Father-reunited with Carol and surrounded by the communion of saints.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to one of these charities:

Culture of Life Family Services

Catholic Eldercare of NE Minneapolis, Minnesota