Submitted by: Dan Rich

James D. Kowalski

April 6, 1934 - Nov. 30, 2002

South Bend Tribune 12/3/2002

James D. Kowalski, 68, formerly of South Bend, passed away at his home in Franklin, Ind., on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2002. Jim was born on April 6, 1934, in South Bend to the late Judge Leon E. and Benedictine (Paskiet) Kowalski.

He is survived by his first wife, Cleo A. (Kramer) Kowalski of Niles, Mich.; their four children, Jennifer Lynn (Bruce) Micinski of Branch, Mich., Elizabeth Ann Camp of Elkhart, Ind., Phillip James (Stacie) Kowalski of Buchanan, Mich., James David Kowalski Jr. of St. Petersburg Beach, Fla.; six grandchildren, Jessica, Caitlin, Nathan, Cody, Connor and Taylor; one sister, Roberta V. Hill of Three Oaks, Mich.; two brothers, Leon E. Kowalski Jr. of Mendocino, Calif., and the late Leonard Kowalski. Jim is also survived by his current wife, Shirley A. (Phillips) Kowalski of Franklin, Ind., and one stepdaughter.

Jim graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1952, and from Franklin College in Franklin, Ind., where he was a member and active alumnus in Kappa Delta Rho Fraternity. He was also honorably discharged as a 2nd Lt., in the Indiana National Guard. Jim retired from a career as a successful entrepreneur including the founding and development of four related businesses, Maxi-Blast Inc., in South Bend, Ind., Econo-Blast LTD, in St. Petersburg, Fla., Aero-Blast Produces in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Hardscrabble Inc.

Jim was affiliated with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, South Bend Chamber of Commerce, Bib Brother/Big Sisters, advisor for Indiana University (South Bend) School of Business, and Michiana Small Business Council. He was also a member of the Indiana University President's Club (Bloomington), a trustee at Franklin College, the "Jim and Shirley Kowalski Scholarship for Business" at IUSB, Morris Park County Club (South Bend), and the University Club (Notre Dame, Ind.). Jim was also an avid Notre Dame Fan, enjoying both football and basketball.

The first service will be held in Franklin, Ind., with visitation at the Vandivier-Parsley Funeral Home, 197 E. Jefferson St. today, Dec. 3 from 4 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. at St. Rose's Catholic Church, also in Franklin.

A memorial services will also be held in South Bend at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 415 N. Brookfield on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 11:30 a.m. immediately followed by a reception and luncheon also at the church. All local friends and family are invited to attend. Memorial contributions may be made to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Indiana. Jim was a very gracious and caring man who always recognized your strengths; He encouraged you and guided you to be a stronger and better person. He touched so many lives in so many ways. We are all very grateful to have know him. He will be missed.