James D. Szalkowski

September 20, 1953 — December 1, 2024

Dunkirk

James D. Szalkowski, born on September 20, 1953, in Dunkirk, NY, passed peacefully on December 1, 2024, at the age of 71.

Jim or Jimmy, to most family and friends, was a life-long resident of Dunkirk. Jim was a man whose life was defined by faith, resilience, hard work, and a profound connection to family and friends. A 1971 graduate of Dunkirk High School, Jim worked 37 years of his professional career at Ralston Purina in Dunkirk, NY, before retiring in 2011. He was a member of Holy Trinity Church, a long-time member of the South Shore Rod and Gun Club, the Kozciuszko Club and Hillview Golf Course.

Jim’s life was a testament to his unwavering Catholic faith and his determined spirit, which was particularly evident during his four-year battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. Described as a man who wore a red badge of courage, Jim faced his illness with extraordinary bravery and grace. His wife and daughters stood bravely by his side and cared for him unconditionally.

An avid golfer, fisherman, and hunter, Jim approached everything he did with precision and commitment. His love for animals, particularly cats, highlighted his deep, empathetic connection to the world around him. He will be especially missed by his beloved cat REO and dog Stuart.

His nurturing passion for plants and his household handy work, something he learned from his parents, was instilled in his daughters, especially his daughter Kristin, who shared his love of gardening and inherited her father’s green thumb.

His love of golf and perfecting his golf swing was carried forward in his time spent golfing with his daughter Megan, not to mention traveling and touring concerts with her, in pursuit of his favorite band, The Eagles. During his illness, he trusted and relied on Megan’s judgment as a registered nurse. His daughter Kristin, who meticulously tended to his health records, and advocated for his treatment options, never gave up hope.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife Kathy (Crea) Szalkowski, and his cherished daughter’s Megan and Kristin. Jim also leaves behind his mother Loretta (Skrzypek) Szalkowski, his siblings Richard, Wendy (Pat) Poweski, and Scott (Denise), brother and sister-in-laws Frank, Michael (late Kimily), Tom, Sandra (Bob) Pieszak and Dianne (Jim) Crea-Powers, as well as many cherished cousins, nieces and nephews, whom he generously shared his time and wisdom.

He was preceded in death by his father Daniel Szalkowski, paternal grandparents Stephen and Betty Szalkowski, and maternal grandparents Alice and Gabriel Skrzypek, mother and father-in-law Mary and Sam Crea, sister-in-law Kimily Crea, and niece Sara Pieszak.

Friends and family are welcome to attend Calling Hours on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 3-7 p.m. at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home, Inc.; 736 Central Ave., Dunkirk, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 10 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 1032 Central Ave, Dunkirk, NY.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the non-profit Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PANCAN), Donation Processing Center PO Box 5041 Boone, IH 50950-0041

"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." - Thomas Campbell

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, December 6, 2024

3:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home

736 Central Ave, Dunkirk, NY 14048

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Funeral Service

Saturday, December 7, 2024

10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church

1032 Central Ave, Dunkirk, NY 14048