James Edward Kowalski

James Edward Kowalski, 83, of Southbury, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 12, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at River Glen Nursing Home, following a courageous forty-year battle with cancer.
James was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, on May 24, 1942, the son of the late Edward George and Violet Martha (Kovacs) Kowalski. A third-generation resident of Southbury, James took great pride in his deep roots within the community.
He graduated from Henry Abbott Technical High School in Danbury, Connecticut, in 1960, where he specialized in the machine and tool department. James proudly and voluntarily served his country in the United States Army from 1963 to 1966. He attained the rank of Specialist Five and served as an Aircraft Armament Specialist, supporting aviation operations in the Vietnam theater. Assigned to the 118th Assault Helicopter Company, he was awarded the Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal in recognition of his honorable and dedicated service.
Following his military service, James married the love of his life and co-pilot, Virginia Martin, on May 6, 1967. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised three daughters.
James began his career at Branson Ultrasonics in Danbury, Connecticut, in 1966 as a machine operator. Through dedication and hard work, he advanced to the role of manufacturing engineer, a position he held for 35 years before retiring in 2001.
Following retirement, James and his beloved wife fulfilled their lifelong dream of traveling together, touring all 49 continental United States and Canada in their cherished fifth-wheel trailer affectionately named "Home 4 2 Dolly."
James, alongside his late father Edward, skillfully built the family home on Purchase Brook Road, where they moved in February of 1974. Throughout the years, James's passion and talent for woodworking were evident in every corner of the home. His meticulous craftsmanship reflected the care, pride, and devotion he brought to all aspects of his life-most especially to his family, whom he loved above all else.
James was a lifetime member of Sacred Heart Church, having attended its original location on North Main Street before the current church was built in the 1950s. He had a deep and abiding commitment to his faith and devoted many years of service to his church. James served on the parish council and spearheaded the Bike-Thon fundraiser for many years. He also participated in a mission trip to Pascagoula, Mississippi, helping to rebuild homes devastated by Hurricane Katrina. James faithfully served as an usher at the 5:00 p.m. Mass and regularly attended Bible study under the guidance of Father Joe. His strong faith also led him to worship in many Catholic churches across the country.
James is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Virginia Lee (Martin) Kowalski of Southbury; his daughters, Lynn Marie Thornton (Rod) of Barrington, Rhode Island; Michelle Lee Brachten(Joerg) of Huntersville, North Carolina; and Sherye Ann Stockmal (the late Steven) of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; his five grandchildren, Britney Thornton-Homco (Keith), Ethan Thornton, KassieStockmal, Bryce Brachten, and Jonathan Brachten; his great-granddaughter, Eva Thornton-Homco; and his brothers, Thomas Martin (Nancy) Kowalski and Edward George Kowalski, along with niece Sarah Lichorowiec (Sean), nephew Thomas Kowalski, and extended family.
A visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the chapel at Midd-South Catholic Church (also known as Sacred Heart Church), located at 910 Main StreetSouth, Southbury, Connecticut.
A funeral service with full military honors will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 10:00a.m., also at the Midd-South Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in James's memory, in honor of his deep faith and commitment to the Catholic Church, to The Mustard Seed Fund, 910 Main Street South,Southbury, Connecticut.
To share a message of remembrance, please visit www.CarpinoCares.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James, please visit our floral store.