James "Jim" Hudson Kovarik

He was born on February 16, 1930 in Queens, New York to the late Charles Joseph Kovarik and Charlotte Louise Hudson.

James (Jim), was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather. James was an electronics engineer, but so much more. He was truly a Jules Verne born before his time. He loved to play golf, bowl, and to ballroom dance -- the latter taught to him by the love of his life, Dee. He also loved playing cards, and just spending time with family and friends. James was a Boy Scout prior to going into the service; he loved our country very much. Before he was done, he had served in three branches: the Marines, Army, and Navy. He became a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of the American Legion Post 63 in Winter Garden, Florida. James came to Florida with his wife and three children to build the missile tracking station on the tip of Marco Island. He loved it there and saw his family flourishing and loving the very secluded Marco Island. It had only five homes at the time, and that meant that Dee and their three children spent priceless time alone on the beach. Later, flowing out of his love of country, James spent eight years researching our Constitution, Federalist Papers, and the organizational process our governors followed to build our country. From this research, he wrote a book called, Energizing Governors. This book was not only sold on Amazon; but, also can be found in the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.

James also felt drawn to animals, and really had fallen in love with the draft horses. He became a sponsor of the Gentle Giants Clydesdale and Draft Horse Rescue. He was able to visit there last year and loved every minute.

We will all miss Jim’s incredible mind and heart, and feel so grateful to have known him.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 47 years, Irma Deanne “Dee” Kovarik; his dear parents; and his brother, Charles Joseph Kovarik.

James is survived by his children: son, Walter Kovarik and daughters, Laurel K. Ferro (John) and Tamara K. Maidhof; grandchildren, Heather Hutchinson (Justin), Robert Maidhof (Amanda), Tiffany Pawson (Chris), Dane Kovarik (Cierra), and Blake Kovarik; and great grandchildren, Bryce Hutchinson, Brielle Hutchinson, Tucker Hutchinson, Ember Maidhof, and Tessa Maidhof.

Please join us for Jim’s Celebration of Life at 11:00am on July 22, 2023 at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha Florida 34734.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to please consider making a donation to Mosaic Church, Winter Garden, Florida or Wounded Warrior Project in his name: James Hudson Kovarik.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared for the Kovarik family in the online guest book below.