James Chester Koslowski

James “Jim” Koslowski, passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the CopperStone Assisted Living where he resided. Jim was born on July 20, 1945, to the late Chester and Mabel (Stadler) Koslowski.

Jim graduated from St. John Grade School and Menasha High School. He attended U.W. Oshkosh where he earned his teaching degree in History and later a Master’s degree in English.

Jim began his teaching career in Merrill, WI. Several years later he moved back home to Menasha to teach at Maplewood Middle School and later at Menasha High School where he taught English and History. He coached football, baseball, and basketball at various levels. He also served as baseball coordinator for the Menasha Recreation Department.

Jim was a lifetime member of St. John Parish where he was a lector and an usher at the weekend Masses. He willingly shared his faith with middle school students teaching faith formation at St. John for many years. He was also on the Parish Board and St. John School Board.

Jim had many interests which included visiting major league ballparks throughout the country with friends. He also enjoyed going to casinos and other travels throughout the U.S. He loved a good card game; especially cribbage and sheepshead. He also liked to play dominoes, listen to oldies music and was an avid golfer. Jim also loved talking about the Kennedy brothers and their legacies in government.

He was a fan o the Minnesota Vikings, as well as the Milwaukee Brewers, Wisconsin Badgers, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, Menasha MACs and the Green Bay Packers. Jim especially liked baseball and had season Brewer and Timber Rattler tickets. Many times, he gave his tickets (which were great seats) to family and friends. He also knew of and like to reminisce about the history of local MLB ballplayers like Dave Koslo and Eric Hinske.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: John and Gerald.

He is survived by two sisters-in-law: Joan and Debbie; nieces and nephews: Sue (Don) O’Connell, John Jr (Tracey) Koslowski, Trish (Larry) Konetzke, Keith Koslowski, Steven Koslowski, Mary Beth Koslowski, David (fiancée Jennifer) Koslowski, and Brian (Christine) Koslowski; 10 great nieces and nephews; 14 great-great nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. “Great” Uncle Jim never missed an opportunity to remember these 24 nieces and nephews with birthday and holiday cards which always included gift, cards, or money.

Funeral liturgy will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 17, 2023, at St. John the Baptist Church, 516 De Pere St., Menasha. Visitation will be on Friday at the church from 9:00 am until the time of the Mass. Interment will be in St. John Cemetery, Menasha. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Jim’s name.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the owners, nursing staff, maintenance crew, and residents at the CopperStone Assisted Living, as well as the staff at Moments Hospice, for their care and compassion for Jim. We also want to thank his close friends and neighbors for their many visits with Jim.

And in the words of Jim, “Be careful, drive safely, and read a book!”