James R. Pilarski

Obituary

James “Jim” Robert Pilarski was born on December 2, 1960, in Ashland, Wisconsin. He was the son of Philip and Jacqueline (Kowalczyk) Pilarski. Jim was baptized as an infant on December 18, 1960 at Saint Agnes Church in Ashland Wisconsin. Jim received his first communion in May 1969 and was confirmed in May 1975. Jim received his elementary education in Eyota, MN, and Glencoe, MN.  He received his high school education in Glencoe and graduated with the Glencoe High School class of 1979.

Jim enlisted in the United States Coast Guard via the Delayed Entry Program on July 5, 1978, while still in high school. He completed his basic training in Alameda, CA and engineering training and certifications in Yorktown, VA.  His training continued throughout his career.  He trained to be a master of repairing every type of engine short of a 747 airplane along with Marine Environmental Protection and Marine Law Enforcement.  Duty stations took him and his family to Virginia, the bayous of Louisiana, Duluth, MN, and Baltimore, MD.  He was part of a crew that was honored for helping save a tug in the Duluth Harbor from sinking despite the below-zero December temperatures.  During his tenure at the CGC Northland, he served as a mechanic and rescue swimmer.  He was awarded the Good Conduct Award 5 times during his service. He was also awarded the Coast Guard Sea Service Ribbon, the Expert Rifle Medal, the Marksman Pistol Ribbon, as well as several other honors and medals. Jim was Honorably Discharged on March 15, 1990.

On October 6, 1979, Jim was united in marriage to Denise Dammann at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie, Minnesota. Jim and Denise made their home in rural Glencoe/Lester Prairie, Annandale, Minnesota, and settled in Port Charlotte, Florida. Their marriage was blessed with one child, Nicole. Jim and Denise shared over 44 years of marriage.

Jim worked as a Heavy Truck Mechanic for 10 years. He first started his trade while serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, continued working in the industry, and was a general manager until his retirement in 2001. He was employed at Johnson Brothers in Glencoe, MN, Holt Truck Center in Cokato, MN, Denny Hecker’s Dodge in Buffalo, MN, Desoto Auto Mall in Arcadia, FL, and Nelson International Trucks in Dickinson, ND.

To say Jim enjoyed fishing, would be an understatement. Jim would live, eat, and breathe for fishing, he truly LOVED it. When Jim was not fishing, he enjoyed hunting, and doing yard work and was “Mr. Fix-It” when required. Time spent with family and friends was cherished as well.

Jim passed away on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at his home in Port Charlotte, Florida, at the age of 63 years, 8 months and 19 days. Blessed be his memory.

Jim is survived by his
Wife, Denise Pilarski of Port Charlotte, FL;
Daughter, Nicole Pilarski of Litchfield, MN;
Father, Philip Pilarski of Edinburg, TX;
Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Edward and Carol Jean Dammann of Lester Prairie, MN;
Siblings, Marcella (Russ) Noyes, John (Kimberly) Pilarski, Joseph (Sandra) Pilarski, Melanie (Nathan) Neihus, Mindy (Brent) Loge;
Brother-in-law, Jeff Butler, Jon (Deb) Damman;
Many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Jacqueline Pilarski; sister, Marie Butler, twin nephews, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives that have awaited him in heaven.