James Kolasa

James A. Kolasa, 86 of Elmira, died Wed. Nov. 29, 2017 at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility in Bellaire.

He was born May 1, 1931 in Elmira the son of James Frank and Antoinette (Glowa) Kolasa.  James attended Elmira Elementary School and graduated from Gaylord St. Mary's High School. After high school he enlisted in the US Army, proudly serving in the Korean War.

James worked many years for Bond Construction.  In his free time and in retirement he enjoyed camping, gardening and mushrooming.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman and also enjoyed trapping.  He loved the outdoors and was a member of the Alba Sportsman Club.

Surviving James are his children Jerry (Julia Kreinter) of Gaylord, Ted (Megan) Kolasa of Elmira, Russ (Missy)Kolasa of Wyoming, sister Sr. Joyce Kolasa of Grand Rapids, 9 grandchildren Nicole, Scotty, Brooke, Joshua, Zachary, Kassidi, Hawkins, James and Katrina, 2 great grandsons, and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 50 years, Nancy Kolasa in 2013.  Also preceding him in death were his parents, his sister Louise Puroll, and brother Sylvester Kolasa.

A funeral mass will be held Mon. Dec. 4, at noon at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Elmira with Fr. Don Geyman officiating.  The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the time of service.  Interment with military honors will follow in St. Thomas Aquinas Cemetery, Elmira.  Visitation will also take place on Sun. Dec. 3, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Memorial donations can be made to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.

Arrangements have been handled by the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.