James Thomas Hovancik

James Thomas Hovancik, 76, of Virginia Beach, VA passed away peacefully on August 30, 2023, with his family lovingly by his side.

Jim was born on April 1, 1947 to Charles and Mary Hovancik in Binghamton, NY. He enlisted in the United States Navy and was stationed at multiple bases including Subic Bay, Philippines, San Diego, California, Groton, Connecticut and the last ship he proudly served on was the USS Sunbird ASR 15 until he was medically retired in 1977.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 48 years, Madeleine Hovancik; children, Stephen Robinson (Chantal), Vonnie Bell (Dave), Bernadette Vaughan (William); 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brothers Ronald Hovancik (Dorothy) and David Hovancik (Suzanne) along with several cousins, nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Mary Hovancik; brothers Charles (Chas) Hovancik and Richard (Dick) Hovancik.

Jim enjoyed spending time with family and making everyone laugh. He was a member of NAS Oceana/Dam Neck Chapel since 1987 and sang in the choir for several years. He enjoyed playing games with his family like "Kismet" and "Chicken Foot". In his younger years he loved to golf and fish. He enjoyed watching baseball and football and was a die-hard fan of the New York Giants and Mets. He was also an avid coin collector. He enjoyed going out for Mexican food and margaritas. He especially enjoyed foods from his Slovak heritage.

Jim will always be loved and deeply missed by everyone who knew him. His grandchildren and great grandchildren will especially miss their "PopPop".

Jim's family would like to thank Westminster Canterbury Hospice for making his last days comfortable and pain free. His family would also like to extend a huge thank you to all of the friends and extended family for all of their love and support.

A funeral service will be held at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, 2002 Laskin Road, Virginia Beach, VA on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 1:00 pm. Friends and family will be received starting at 12:00 pm. He will be laid to rest on Monday, September 11th at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to TBI Warrior Foundation (https://www.tbiwarriorfoundation.org/donate). Online condolences can be made to the family at hdoliver.com.