Jim was born on July 21, 1942, in St. Paul, Minnesota to Anthony and Blanche Kostecky, being the youngest of four children. He moved to Winton, California when he was seven years old. Four years later, he moved to Merced, which is where he resided until his death.
Jim was dedicated to his family, often working two to three jobs to provide for them. Jim became an Agent/Owner for the Allstate Insurance Company in 1966 and retired after 31-1/2 years with the Company. He was proud to have the very first couple that he insured still with his agency when he retired.
In addition, he was actively involved in the community. Jim could often be seen in December in his red corvette playing Santa Claus for the Christopher Robin Chapter, making Christmas special for hundreds of children each year; however, he was always there for his family during the last week of December where they would spend time at their cabin in Fish Camp, CA. He was a Board Trustee for the Weaver Union School District, a member of the Gideons International, Merced Senior Social Club (President), AARP (Vice President), Past President of the Merced Junior College Basketball Boosters (BOUNCE, BOUNCE!), Merced Chamber of Commerce, a Founder of the Valve Burners Car Club, a member of the Vintage Car Club, Cub Scout and Boy Scout Leader, and numerous other organizations. Although he has been active at the First Baptist Church in Winton for years, he recently became a member of the Church and was on the Visitation Team, the Choir, and was proudly the Project Manager of the recent nursery remodel project. His church family provided him much happiness during the final months of his life.
Jim loved to cook and entertain. He would give of his time to help different charitable organizations by taking the lead and cooking for their fundraisers. He loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. He didn’t know a stranger. Jim was an avid car enthusiast and owned over 200 cars, trucks, and boats during his lifetime.
Jim is survived by his three children, Jeff, Kevin, and Carrie Kostecky, his five grandchildren, Robert, Alison, and Jessica Kostecky, Kyle and Lane Harrison, two great grandchildren, Travis and Madison Kostecky, all of Merced, one sister, Madonna Staudinger (Earl) Mt. Carmel, TN, and many wonderful friends. He also leaves behind his loving, faithful companion, Maddie, his cocker spaniel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Winton, P. O. Box 97, Winton, CA 95388, or the Merced Senior Social Club, 755 West 15th Street, Merced, CA 95340.
The visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 9, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home. The Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Winton, 7264 Myrtle, Winton, CA. The burial will be private.
The family wishes to give their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Cohen, Ken Miller, Lou, and the staff at Mercy Medical Center, Pastors Gary Martin and Dave Benton and the entire church family at First Baptist Church of Winton, and Glen Beaird and Ray Wenham and the entire staff at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home for their care, concern, and professional help. It made our difficult situation a little easier.
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