James Fredrick Kolojaco

James "Jim" Kolojaco of New Gulf, Texas, passed away on Saturday, May 19, 2012 at the age of 76. He was born on November 28, 1935 in Long Point, Texas to the late Martha Rose McClosky and John Boon Kolojaco.

Jim married his high school sweetheart Marian Sitka on June 23, 1957. They have lived in Houston for the past 53 years, where they raised four daughters. After 36 years of dedicated service, he retired from Amoco Oil. During retirement he was able to spend more time with his grandchildren attending athletic games and school activities. He received great joy spending time and traveling with his family, friends and neighbors; attending car shows; trips to Barnes & Noble with grandchildren; practicing his faith; enjoying good food and relaxation. Jim so valued his faith and family.

He is survived by Marian his loving wife, daughters and sons-in-law: Peggy and John Briers of Houston; Linda and Kenny Pate of Richmond; Carol and Randy Edwards of Beaumont; Sherry and Brian Redd of Bellaire; grandchildren Michael and Megan Briers; Randy Jr., James, Kenneth, Darron and Dillon Edwards; Audrey, Paige and Connor Redd; great grandsons Bryson and Brody Edwards; his brother Robert Kolojaco and wife Martha of Boling and sister Jeanette Bollom and husband Charles of Wharton. He also had numerous nieces and nephews along with a recent addition to the family – his dog Cooper.

Words are inadequate to express our gratitude for the loving care he received from the staff at MD Anderson, his final days at home with Irena, Lanre, Reverend Trudy, Timica, April, Emily and Veronica of Odyssey Hospice; and Bob (Deacon Robert Brueggerhoff) and wife Carolyn’s unwavering friendship and spiritual guidance especially on his final journey home. His sister Jeanette brought comfort, joy, laughter, nursing skills, determination and family love to his final days on earth.

Pallbearers are Michael Briers, Randy Edwards Jr., James Edwards, Kenneth Edwards, Darron Edwards, Dillon Edwards, and Connor Redd.

The visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 22 at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 6921 Chetwood, Houston, TX 77081, on Wednesday, May 23 at 10 a.m. followed by the Rite of Committal at 3 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery, 3511 E. Alabama Road, Wharton, TX 77488.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in James’ name to Holy Ghost Catholic Church - Consolation Guild or MD Anderson Cancer Center, PO Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486.