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James KONICKI Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James KONICKI
Pete Streicher
March 1, 2011
Mimi, I was so sorry to hear about Jim's death, We saw you guys at Mom's wake, and Jim filled us in on alumni and Toledo Happenings. Ed and Jim were the best. I'll never forget them, our prayers are with you. Love Pete and Bonnie Streicher Fort Collins
Rick Ray
February 28, 2011
Jim brought a smile to everyone's face that he came in contact with. It didn't take long to learn what Jim's interests were, because all you had to do was listen! His stream of consciousness was endless and always enthusiastic. I'm glad I had the opportunity to see him at our last SJJ reunion.
February 28, 2011
February 28,2o11 I will never forget you Jim Konicki. May your soul rest in peace. Ron Boday, Warner Robins Georgia.
February 26, 2011
dear MiMi was shocked to hear of the passing of Jim sorry I wasn`t at the services . Enjoyed talking to Jim even when we were younger he could keep a conversation going . My sister carole sends her condolenses too Gerri Faylor and Carole Harris
February 23, 2011
I heard of Jim's passing after his memorial service and was so very saddened to hear the news. Jim was a lively, passionate man who was dedicated to tradition in many facets of his life. He was passionate about a variety of sports and his alma matter. He regarded his religion with the utmost respect and was friendly to all those whom he encountered. He will be sorely missed by do many in the Toledo community. Rest in peace, Jim , as you join your beloved family in the afterlife. Anonymous
February 22, 2011
Mimi, been thinking of you and the family, so sorry that I couldn't be with you. I've been told that the service was very nice, and that you had his helmet made into an arrangement. That was so very thoughtful of you. My prayers are with you. Beth
Deborah Martin
February 22, 2011
Mimi-my thoughts and prayers are with you. Sounds like your brother-in-law was a great guy!
Paul Hancock
February 21, 2011
To: Family and Friends of Jim Konicki
From: Paul F. Hancock
Date: February 21, 2011
I just learned of Jim’s passing last night and I very much regret that I could not be there with all of you today to celebrate the life of this great man. Instead, I sat down to recall my many happy memories of years of knowing Jim and wanted to share them with the family at the service this morning. Being unsucessful, due to time and weather, I decided to post them here for the family.
My wife, Sandi, and I share our deepest sympathy with Mimi, Patrick, Jennifer and the many other family and friends who loved Jim.
I have known Jim since he was a young boy. His father died when he was quite young and as time passed Jim seemed to look to my Dad as that male leader. Jim and my youngest brother David (Gig) attended high school together. Jim quickly became a member of our family.
As most of you likely know, Jim’s brain operated differently than most of ours. He always was extremely hyper and he had difficulty in school. Today, the traits that Jim exhibited would be diagnosed as something and a disability would be defined, but back then it was only said that he was slow in school. I was in law school when Jim was in high school and I served as his academic tutor. We had great times together!
I noticed back then that Jim had difficulty with subjects that required thinking in logical progressions, and yet was terrific in subjects that could be memorized. I didn’t think much of this at the time, but learned to appreciate the brilliant memory that he exhibited as life passed. Of course, his high energy level continued. For one summer he had a job cutting grass at Calvary Cemetery. It was supposed to entail more sitting than mowing, but Jim incurred the wrath of his fellow workers because he ran behind the mower all day; he probably cut the entire cemetery in one day. As you know, he was an All-City Cross Country runner.
His early dream was to be a radio announcer, regularly telling me he was “keeping up on news, sports, and weather.” School was challenging but he persisted and eventually earned an associate degree. Jim joined the Air Force and served for an entire career, with long stints in Germany (where he learned the language) and Arkansas (where he never learned the language.)
Jim overcame many challenges in life. Academics was one and yet he continued and earned a degree.
His work ethic was remarkable. He is legendary for riding his bike to work, rarely missing a day. Rain, sleet or snow did not prevent Jim from going to work. If only all of our workers shared Jim’s work ethic, America would have likely emerged from this recession a long time ago. He not only worked regularly and hard, but was devoted to the USPS. Even where he purchased gifts at the Notre Dame Book Store, he would carry them himself to a store that could ship them via USPS because Notre Dame used another carrier.
I return to his brilliant mind. In some respects he had difficulty functioning in our society, but other parts of his mind were remarkable. Jim could relate to me, in detail, what I had done virtually every year of my life. He followed my professional career and remembered events that I had long forgotten. He recently talked about sitting in my family’s living room for the 1967 Notre Dame vs. USC game, recounting most plays and what my parents were doing at the time. It was not limited to sports. In recent years, people with minds like this have received more attention and acclaim. Jim is among this exclusive group with a remarkable talent.
We lived apart but Jim visited me frequently over the years. His hyperactivity could be challenging. On one visit to D.C. I thought I could enjoy some time to work by suggesting that Jim visit the Smithsonian Museums for a day. I dropped him off as I went to the office, but he was back at my desk in less than two hours. He said: “Paul, it doesn’t take long to get through those museums.”
Jim’s life was simple. He was devoted to his family, living with his mother until she died. He did not own a house, he has never driven a car. He was a devout Catholic. He did not own a computer. His greatest leap to technology was beginning to use a cell phone. He sought neither wealth nor material gain. He loved his family and was proud of the achievements of E.J., Mimi and children. He enjoyed sports and friends.
I spent a great amount of time with Jim over the years, and, as you all can appreciate, some of it was challenging. Yet, whenever I would get the least bit short or upset with him, he would get a sad look and apologize. That only made me feel like a complete jerk, realizing that the fault rested with me, not Jim. You see, Jim was the sweetest, nicest person you could ever meet. He did not have a mean bone in his body. No person could have more plain, simple “goodness” than Jim.
I can understand what all of you might have gone through with Jim, at times. He would call me to talk and I’d never get to say a word. His opinions were often strong and perhaps not thought through. But we all need to appreciate the other side of his brain, which was more advanced and brilliant than any of ours. And none of us could have a more loyal and trusting friend.
I will miss Jim dearly. He is a family member to me and over the years I have only grown to understand him more, which increased my admiration and respect. He is one-of-a-kind and our world would be a much better place if we had more “Jims.”
Remember him and hold him dear!
Sandey Spencer
February 21, 2011
I didn't know Jim very well, but my late husband, Doug, worked at the post office and was friends with him. After Doug retired due to cancer, Jim would call him and they would talk sports. Jim was a thoughtful and giving man who will be missed.
My condolences to his family and close friends.
chelsie tuite
February 20, 2011
I know I speak for everyone at the Toledo Outback when I say we will really miss jim's smiling face dearly and his enthusiastic personality that would brighten our Sundays.
With sympathy,
Chelsie & The Toledo Outback
Burt Floraday
February 20, 2011
I ran cross-country and Ttack with Jim -- meaning I was on the team; I could never run "with Jim" he was always minutes ahead of me. So many memories -- they bring a warm smile. My sympathies to his family and his close friends.
Rick Corbett
February 20, 2011
To Jim's Family-
My deepest sympathy for your loss. Jim was one of the most genuine and passionate people that I have ever met. He was our "Rudy" before we knew the story of Notre Dame's "Rudy". He was determined, positive, and a loyal friend to all. I am grateful for the opportunity of having the "Jim experience" during my years at SJHS.
Warm regards,
Rick Corbett
Granite Bay, CA
SJ Class of 1969
Fred Arent
February 20, 2011
To the family of Jim,
I worked with Jim at the PO for years always talked to him about sports he had great knowledge of ND football. I will miss talking to Jim about his trips to all the ND games he would always bring me bacl a program from the game. Rest in Peace Jim now you have the best seat in the house to watch the Irish.
Fred Arent
Mark Stender
February 20, 2011
I have never seen another cross-country harrier or track runner who ran as hard as Jim. I will always remember him. My condolences.
Mark Stender (Roy C. Start - 1970)
Bill Taylor
February 20, 2011
I will never forget the lesson of teamwork Jim taught me during our days at old SJ. May he rest in peace and keep those angels running.
Paul Wroe
February 19, 2011
What a special person Jim was...always positive, supportive and a real joy to see...and competitive in everything he did. He was a blessing! May the good Lord comfort his close friends and relatives.
Gary Eberle
February 19, 2011
Jim embodied what was best in all of us, enthusiasm, energy and a kind of eternal youth. Everyone who came into contact with him felt more alive just by being around him. He will be missed, but will remain in memory.
February 19, 2011
Mimi, Jennifer, Pat and Gordie, please accept our condolences on Jim's passing. His passion will be missed. I will never forget going to an ND basketball game with Jimmy driving through a blizzard. He made sure Les B stayed awake! Warmest regards, Jim and Debby Schaefer
February 19, 2011
Dear Mimi, Jennifer and Patrick
We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Mimi, you gave him great comfort at the most difficult of times. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Much Love,
Holly and Luke
February 19, 2011
Dear Mimi, Jennifer, and Patrick,
We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Mimi, you gave him great comfort at the most difficult of times. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Much Love,
Holly and Luke
Mary Jo Kesting-Campbell
February 19, 2011
To Jim's family -
Jim and I go back all the way to Kindergarten and growing up in the Bancroft Hills neighborhood. My most recent visit with Jim was a couple of years ago when he came to South Bend for a Notre Dame football game and we met for breakfast on a Friday morning. No one had more enthusiasm for, or knowledge about Notre Dame football than Jim.
For a good life well-lived, it's time to rest in eternal peace with your mom, dad and Ed.
Mark Hornung
February 19, 2011
Jim was the embodiment of determination, loyalty and piety. He will be missed by all who were touched by him. My prayers are for his family and friends, because we all know he is in Heaven, running.
Tom Fox
February 19, 2011
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Greg Flowers
February 19, 2011
Konicki family, I have worked with Jim for the past 4 years. He was a dedicated employee and coworker. Jim was a very proud St. John's alumnus. Since my son started there 3 years ago, Jim was always interested in my son's academics and athletics. It became an annual tradition for Jim to attend one of my son's hockey games and have dinner together afterward. "Hockey night at the Tam!" as Jim would say.
We will miss him very much. Our heartfelt condolences to you.
The Flowers family - Greg, Michele, and Scott
jill wersell
February 19, 2011
Konicki family, I'm deeply sorry for your loss.
Jim was a great customer...we will miss his weekly visits to the bike shop! God bless & rest in peace Jim.
Janet Woods
February 19, 2011
Mimi, Patrick & Jennifer: We will certainly miss our nephew and cousin. No words can really describe Jimmy, but we loved him just the same. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Much Love, Aunt Jean, Larry and Janet
February 19, 2011
We will never forget tailgating with you at the Rocket's games. You will be greatly missed.
Al and Vickie Heckart
CJ
February 19, 2011
Konicki Family, My thoughts and prayers go out to you trust in the God of comfort.
Doug Przymierski
February 19, 2011
Jim was one of the best Cross Country runners in Northwest Ohio during the late 60's. His all-out effort and true sportsmanship stand as testimonials to the type of person that "Konicki" was.
God bless you, Jim.
Dave Ingle
February 19, 2011
Jim was a friend and a source of Knowledge.. He knew everything about sports .. He was a good man and a wonderful friend. Rest in peace..
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