James "Jim" Joseph Kolar's Obituary
James "Jim" Joseph Kolar passed away peacefully in Plano, TX, on May 3, 2024. He was 75 years old.
Jim was born to Genevieve and Joseph Kolar on October 6, 1948, in Chicago, IL. He graduated from Morgan Park High School in Chicago and attended Wilson City College.
Jim joined the U.S. Army, and after training at the former Fort Polk, LA, Army Base, he served as a Specialist 5th Class at Long Binh Post in Saigon, South Vietnam from 1970-1971, where he received a Good Conduct medal. For many years after his service, as a former veteran and proud patriot, Jim wore either a flag lapel pin or flag shirt to share his love for his country. Jim also got his patriotism from his father, who was a Prisoner of War during World War II.
During his career, Jim worked for UPS Inc. as Manager of Plant Engineering from 1980 to 2005 at more than 20 UPS centers. He was named Manager of the Year in 1992 after two facilities he managed were in the Top 20 UPS Production Facilities nationwide.
Jim had several hobbies. From his early days, he loved old cars. Jim had great memories of the times he spent with his son, Marc, looking for car parts and fixing up cars together, such as his daughter Jill's first car: a 1964 Barracuda. His first car was a 1969 Bahama Yellow Road Runner. In his later years, Jim purchased a 1934 Ford street rod he named "Darth," which earned him first place in a local car show. Jim would participate in Dallas-area car shows he found through the "Old Rides" website and other community-based events. His other hobbies included playing softball, enjoying music from Pink Floyd to classical to gospel, and being so fond of Frank Lloyd Wright that he and his wife remodeled their house in the mid-century modern style of architecture.
After moving to Texas, Jim met Tammy Davila in 1988. They were married on April 30, 2011, in Carrollton, TX, where they lived and continued to share a happy life together. Tammy lovingly took care of Jim as his sole caregiver in the home during his extended illness.
Jim was proud of his two children from a previous marriage, both living in the Dallas area: Marc, a longtime driver for UPS, and Jill, a successful nurse practitioner, who provided great support while Jim was ill.
Jim's true passion was spending time with Tammy and entertaining their family and friends. He would often be found outside at the barbeque grill, cooking up his well-loved smoked ribs and other delicious food. Nothing pleased Jim more than finding ways to make others happy. He was also known for having a kind and generous spirit, a great sense of humor and a compassionate heart.
Jim is survived by his wife Tammy, his son Marc, his daughter Jill, his sister Sandra (Donald) Sittler, his sister Carol (Don) Roelle, his father-in-law Joe Davila Sr., his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Jan Kolar, JoAnn Davila, Joe (Rachel) Davila Jr., Irene (John) Soto, Christopher (Molly) Davila, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Genevieve Jean and Joseph Kolar Jr., and his brother, Joseph Richard Kolar.
Visitation will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on May 8, 2024, at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX, 75243.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on May 9, 2024, at Restland Memorial Chapel.
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