It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, James Joseph Jagodzinski, Sr., “Jim” of Marlborough, CT. He passed away peacefully with his wife of 56 years by his side, Patricia Ann (Malia) Jagodzinski on March 31, Easter Sunday. Born May 1943 in Chester, PA, he was one of five children to the late Hedwig (Lawniczak) and John Jagodzinski, Sr.
Jim is predeceased by his sister Julia Michaels. He is survived by his siblings, Nancy Borkowski, Rev. Msgr. John Jagodzinski, and Mary Sims.
In addition, Jim is survived by his four children, Christopher Jagodzinski and wife Lisa Kozlowski; James Jagodzinski, Jr. and wife Wendy; Jeanne Worthen and husband Scott; Kate Greatorex and husband Bob; and his five loving grandchildren, Zachary, Autumn, Sean, Shayla, and Lillie.
Jim graduated St. Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia in 1961 and went onto St. Joseph’s College where he earned a degree in Physics in 1965. He had a love of airplanes from the age of 4 years old, and worked on US Defense projects for the Navy during the Cold War. In later years, he worked for Boeing as a Systems Engineer with the V-22 Osprey Program, retiring in 2013. In his early retirement, Jim earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Pennsylvania, in which he had planned to counsel and support veterans with PTSD.
Jim spent countless hours volunteering with the Boy Scouts. He loved camping, canoeing, and all around exploring, while also earning the Silver Beaver award for his distinguished service.
His favorite time of the year was Christmas. He baked cookies with his children and grandchildren, sang carols with gusto, and eagerly visited Christmas light displays with the wide-eyed wonder of a child. Other hobbies included: photography, archery, World War II history, and fireworks. Family and friends fondly remember the large backyard parties he hosted. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, ability to connect with others, unlimited good spirit, and abundant generosity.
His wife Patricia was his best friend and true soulmate in life, and with grace and strength she saw him through the difficult end stages of dementia. He will be missed dearly; his beautiful spirit lives in the love and humor that he passed along to his family.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at noon on Saturday, August 3, in St. Pius X Catholic Church in Broomall, PA.
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