OBITUARY

James David Bieloski

March 8, 1959 – February 8, 2021
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James David Bieloski

The brightness, music, and unfailing good humor that James D Bieloski brought to the world dimmed as he valiantly fought cancer for two long years. Too soon, the gift of his love, joyous spirit, and kindness were taken from us on February 8, 2021 at the age of 61. Born March 8, 1959 in Syracuse, NY, of Chester M Bieloski and Marguerite E Day who have predeceased him, Jim grew up in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and is still fondly remembered by many. He then lived in Texas, California, and Pennsylvania before he settled in New Jersey with the love of his life, Margaret J Bieloski. He leaves behind an extended family and network of friends, his loving sisters, Elaine Stasko and brother-in-law Ed, Beverly Larimer and brother-in-law Jack, Linda Day Sheaffer and brother-in-law Michael, sister-in-law Marie Bieloski, widow of Jim’s brother, Chester Bieloski, and numerous nieces and nephews—who think of Jim more as a big brother and friend than as an uncle—great nieces, great nephews, an aunt and uncle, cousins, and many dear friends. His step-family mourns Jim deeply, step-son Steve Walulik, his wife Tara, their sons Ryan and Sean, step-son Dan Walulik, and his sons Alex, Aidan, and Ben. To them, Jim was more than a grandfather. He was a confidant, friend, and co-conspirator, who taught them much from his vast store of knowledge, played music with them, encouraged them, and cheered their triumphs. Also left behind are Meg’s family of whom Jim was an integral part, Jim’s sister-in-law Carol Burket and her husband Jack, sister-in-law Pat Mizerek and significant other Bill Kiger, sister-in-law Tina Cushing and her husband Michael, brother-in-law Joe Horling and his wife Ginger, sister-in-law Carol Horling, widow of brother-in-law Jim, and many in-law nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, and a beloved aunt. His dear parents-in-law, Joe and Marge Horling, have pre-deceased him. To all his relatives and friends, spread far and wide on this earth and in heaven, Jim was a life-force of love, respect, and kindness, who always wanted to visit friends and family, was always fun, was quick to accept any and all invitations or calls for help. He was deeply loved and influential in ways that only each person knows best in his or her own heart.

Jim’s first love was motorcross. He lived it, breathed it, trained for it, and raced his motorcycles with youthful abandon and ferocity. The more intense the competition and the more rugged the course, the more he loved it. He pushed himself hard to excel, and excel he did.

When it came time to settle down and make a living, Jim gravitated towards engineering and acquired a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Lafayette College, Easton, PA, in 1996. He worked primarily in the field of biomedical engineering as a researcher, designer, and inventor, often worked with world famous medical centers like the Mayo Clinic, Boston Children’s Hospital, and the Texas Heart Institute. He was a multi-faceted engineer, esteemed for being creative as well as precise and meticulous. Often wanted on site, which included stints in Holland, Jim was valued for his innovative ideas, wide-ranging experience, common sense approach, and scientific brilliance. His proudest achievement was a patent for a biomedical device that saved the lives of children suffering from a debilitating, life-long heart disease.

Jim was a great musician. He could play any stringed instrument he picked up, and collected a variety of ethnic instruments during his world travels, like a tro from Vietnam and a charango from Peru. His primary instrument was the bass guitar, the acoustic guitar second, and he is legendary for his distinctive, original riffs. He played in bands most of his adult life, including professionally as bass guitarist and back-up vocals for “Late As Usual,” a band named for one of Jim’s most “endearing” qualities. The band acquired a huge local following for their enthusiasm and original music, and as Jim used to say with a smile, Bon Jovi once opened for them. Jim and the other band members remained close friends until the end of his life, playing together on weekends for as long as he could. For the past several years, Jim played at open jam sessions with like-minded musicians, developing powerful and deep personal relationships with them, and earning their respect as an impeccable musician and a kind, easy friend. At home, Jim played almost every day, and rarely went anywhere without his guitar. On camping trips, he would play and sing in the woods, on the shores of mountain lakes, and beside open campfires as the stars twinkled on, and often drew quite an audience. On one occasion, his playing and singing made a grown man cry, something that humbled Jim and made him feel that he reached the pinnacle of success as a musician.

Jim was a world traveler. As a young man, he would jump at every chance to join Elaine and Ed on their boat in the Bahamas, or Bev and Jack at their Bahama home. With Meg, he visited more than fifty countries. Much of their travel was adventurous—backpacking the Inca Trail, kayaking in Alaska, biking in Viet Nam, snorkeling in Galapagos, cruising the Nile, going on safari in Africa, and hiking through deserts and up mountains. As lovers, friends, and companions, Jim and Meg spent months on the road in their truck camper, and went wherever the spirit moved them. Jim taught Meg everything he knew about outdoorsmanship and how to survive life’s challenges, those challenges being the stuff of life itself. During the time they had together, they pushed boundaries and acquired several lifetimes of memories.

But now Jim’s life has come to an end, and his passing leaves an emptiness in our hearts. His music, his smile, his adventurous spirit, his positive attitude, and his love of life are his legacies, and we, the friends and family who must go on without him, are all better people for having known him.

A memorial service will be held on February 20, 2021 at 3:00 pm at Brevard Memorial Funeral Home, 5475 North US Highway 1, Cocoa, Florida. Friends and family are welcome but covid restrictions will be strictly enforced. We request that anyone who shouldn’t travel or does not feel well, honor Jim’s passing by watching a live-streamed video made available by the Brevard Memorial Funeral Home rather than attending in person.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s memory to the Melanoma Research Alliance, the American Cancer Society, or any charity you choose.

Good-bye, darling Jim. Life will be sadder, quieter, and a lot less fun without you.

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James David Bieloski

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Rob Pullan

February 14, 2021

I met Jim through his passion for playing bass and guitar. Everyone loved playing music with Jim and knew that if he was involved it was going to be fun.

I miss those random phone calls 😀 Rest in peace, my friend.

Carol Burket

February 14, 2021

We shared many vacations together where we laughed, told stories, enjoyed the ocean breeze and listened to your guitar playing. Such nice memories. Hearing of your passing broke our hearts; but, knowing you are not suffering is our only consolation. Helping you in your cry of need was easy for us. We would do anything to help you or Peg whenever you needed us. Opening our doors when you had your house devastation was done without hesitation. Our recent conversations were ones filled with kind words and sentiments which will stay with me forever. Family meant so much to you as you were so eager to attend any party to see everyone and to enjoy the food. Thank you for being a part of our lives and for being our friend. May you rest in peace. You will never be forgotten.

Liz Sheaffer

February 13, 2021

Meg,
We are truly sorry for your loss. Uncle Jim was an amazing man and always full of joy. Because Jim was a kid at heart, my kids always loved when he was around since he would never say no when they asked him to play with them. The love and joy Jim had in his heart was contagious when he was around and he will be missed by everyone who were lucky enough to know him. We are thinking of you and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. -Steve and Liz Sheaffer

Wayne Marzano

February 12, 2021

Meg, I had the privilege of knowing Jim through my cousin Charles (Chuck) Claypool. I had several memorable times with Jim and Chuck. Some in Latrobe, some in Fulton, NY and Rochester,NY. I am sorry for your loss and will miss Jim.
I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Wayne

Jim Healy

February 12, 2021

Meg and family,

I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing, when i think of him i will always be reminded of the large smile on his face and the light he shined. The world is a little less bright without him.
My prayers go out to you and your families.
JH

Pat Mizerek

February 12, 2021

Peg, our hearts are heavy with grief. I know firsthand the feelings you're experiencing - sadness, disbelief, loneliness and wondering why such a good guy had to suffer as he did. At your lowest moments, remember all those wonderful trips you took all over the world with Jim. As you said, he lifted you up and took you places you only dreamed about. That's an incredible legacy. Love you always.

Jan Brubaker

February 11, 2021

Meg
I am so sorry for your loss. I have known Jimmy since we were kids,He always had a smile! You are all in my prayers.

John Larimer

February 10, 2021

Uncle Jim as he was known to me and my siblings was that larger then life personality. Always smiling and active. He was who I wanted to be with whenever we came to visit. At the age I was he was always patient and willing to do things with us kids. As we grew older Jim was a part of family gatherings near and far. With all the road trips (skiing) and late night fishing trips there was always an adventure to be had and as you would guess Jim usually lead the charge. I am fortunate to have had him in my life, to have looked up to him and known him for the person he was. I will miss my Uncle Jim - Love John Larimer and family.

Todd Bieloski

February 10, 2021

Meg, my thoughts and prayers are with you! Uncle Jimmy was a great man with a huge heart! He will forever be remembered, Todd

FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY

Batter up!

FROM THE FAMILY

Jim, Linda and Mother c.1961

FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY

Jim Grade school

FROM THE FAMILY
FROM THE FAMILY

6th Grade Photo

FROM THE FAMILY

Jim's HS Graduation June 1977

FROM THE FAMILY