Jim was a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has resided in Hampton for 57 years. In high school, Jim was an avid swimmer and boxer and held many records in track and field. After high school he joined the U.S. Air Force and proudly served his country for four years. Jim then accepted an Engineering position with the Newport News Shipyard where he retired after 43 years of service.
In his free time Jim had three primary loves in his life: First were family and friends and making sure everyone's needs were met. He was a "people-person" and to know him was to love him. Second, Jim's passion for bowling led him to membership with the American Bowling Congress and also bowling in national tournaments for 25 years, and finally, following the footsteps of his father, grandfather, and many other members of his family, Jim was "Santa Claus" to many, many children from ages 1 to 92 as the holiday favorite suggest. With his kind-heart and selfless demeanor, Jim was the true spirit of Santa Claus for many years around the Hampton Roads area.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius and Dorothy M. Bialk. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Shirley M. Bialk; two sons, Stanley J. “Joey” Bialk (Jennifer) and Norman A. Bialk (Tammy); five grandchildren, Matthew (Takia), Jesse, James, Wesley, Jacob (Reva); three great-grandchildren, Emily, Abigail, Roman; step-great-granddaughter, Ayana; brother, Robert “Bob” Bialk (Karen); sister, Jackie Krueger; former daughter-in-law, Brittany (Wan).
The family will receive friends 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, Hampton. A celebration of life service will be held 10:00 am Sunday, January 5, 2020 at the funeral home with interment to follow at Parklawn Memorial Park.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.
