Rev. James C. Kowalski
Deceased: 2008-02-22
Diocese: GRAND RAPIDS
Seminary Graduation Year: 1969
Rev. James C. Kowalski, aged 64, of Grand Rapids, died Friday, February 22, 2008. Born September 19, 1943, in Toledo, OH, son of Chester and Florence Kowalski, he was ordained December 20, 1968, at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Fr. Jim served the following parishes, St. Adalbert, Grand Rapids, St. Mary, Muskegon, St. Jude, Grand Rapids, St. Mary Magdalen, Kentwood, St. John Vianney, Wyoming, St. Robert, Ada, Holy Family, Caledonia, and St. Paul the Apostle, Grand Rapids. He also served as chaplain at St. Mary’s Hospital, Grand Rapids, and as Father Friar of the Squires of the Michigan Knights of Columbus. Fr. Jim valued education and was principal of Catholic Central High School, Muskegon andSt. Joseph’s Seminary. He was active at Catholic Central and West Catholic, Aquinas College and the diocesan deaconate formation. He served as trustee of the Grand Rapids Secondary Schools. He is survived by his sisters, Judy (Captain James) Fraley of Ogdensburg, NY, and JoAnn Kowalski (David Sumi) of Madison, WI; and brother, Dr. John (Cheryl) Kowalski of Chicago, IL; nieces and nephews, Jennifer and Joshua Fraley, Cara Sumi, Amy and Andrew Kowalski; also aunts, uncles and cousins of Toledo, OH. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Wednesday, 11 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 2750 Burton SE, Most Rev. Walter A. Hurley, Bishop of Grand Rapids, presiding. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE and Tuesday, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Church and Wednesday, one hour prior to the service. Vigil service Tuesday, at 7 p.m. At the family’s request, memorial contributions may be made to the Grand Rapids Catholic Secondary Schools,660 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507,St. Paul the Apostle/Daniel J. Donnelly Education Foundation,2750 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-4998, Grand Rapids Youth Symphony,300 Ottawa Ave. NW Suite 100, Grand Rapids, MI49503. O’Brien Eggebeen Gerst
