James Badowski

James J. Badowski July 26, 1944 - July 19, 2014 SOUTH BEND - James Joseph "Jim" Badowski, 69, of Houston, TX, passed away on the afternoon of July 19 at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in Houston, Texas, following a brief illness. Jim was born in South Bend, Indiana, on July 26, 1944, to Joseph Marian and Jane Delores (Czerniak) Badowski. Jim graduated from South Bend Washington High School in 1962. He attended Indiana University at Bloomington, earning bachelor's and master's degrees in education. Jim taught high school science and math at the Gary, IN, and Houston, TX, public schools. He especially enjoyed working with troubled youth and special needs children. After working in education for many years, Jim chose a different career path and became the Inventory Manager for the City of Houston until retiring in 2007. Jim attended his 45-year class reunion at Washington HS that same year and had returned every year since to visit family and friends. Jim cherished his birds especially the love birds, his flowers, and vegetable garden. He also enjoyed designing, embroidering and sewing handcrafted pillows, towels and other decorative items, specializing in religious themes. After retirement, Jim worked with a number of charitable organizations, including the American Diabetes Association, and church activities. He is survived by sisters, Kathleen Badowski of Mishawaka, IN, Marcia Badowski of Albuquerque, NM, and Mary Ellen (Steve) Schmidt of Plymouth, IN; and a brother, Robert (Lorraine) Badowski of Lakeville, IN; nephews, Ryan (Danielle Marek) Schmidt, James and Joseph Badowski, Damon Madison of Los Angeles, CA, and nieces, Rebecca and Rachel Badowski. Jim was preceded in death by his parents. Integrity Funeral Care of Houston, Texas, is handling arrangements. There will be no visitation. A memorial service for Jim will be held at a future date. The family requests memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association.